Demolition Begins On One of Rockford’s Most Dangerous Abandoned Buildings

It's been almost 20 years since Rock River Elementary School in Rockford officially closed its doors, and this week it's finally getting torn down.

Goodbye to Rock River Elementary School

In early November 2024 the announcement was made the after nearly 20 years of abandonment and decay, the 113 year old building that once housed Rock River Elementary School was finally getting demolished. 

While many Rockfordians rejoiced over the demolition news, some former Rock River students and teachers found the announcement bittersweet. No one can deny the building is old, neglected, and very dangerous, but saying goodbye to our past is not always an easy thing to do.

A friend of mine named Jeremy attended Rock River Elementary School, during the same time my mom was teaching there, and both have shared many fond memories of the years they spent within the school's walls.

Right after the announcement was made that Rock River Elementary School was getting demolished, my friend Jeremy went out to the site to take some final pictures which he shared with me...

Demolition Has Begun on Rock River Elementary School

Jeremy has also kept in touch with the new owners of the property, N-Trak Group of Loves Park, Illinois who are also in charge of demoing the site, to get more information on what the future of the property would be. This is what Jeremy sent me this morning;

Due to the media coverage, people were trying to get inside and as the structure was unstable, emergency demolition was authorized.

The part of the building that is still standing is the newer addition to the school, and that section will be coming down later this week.

Can You Take Bricks From Rock River Elementary School?

Bricks from the original section of Rock River Elementary School are free for the taking at 2729 Kishwaukee Road in Rockford, but you better get there quick if you want to grab some! Work crews are already clearing away the debris, and the bricks will most likely be gone by the end of the workweek.

Goodbye, Rock River Elementary School. Thanks for the memories!