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Partial roof collapse at Rockford's Midway Theater

A portion of Rockford's Midway Theater's roof collapsed Friday.
photo courtesy of the Rockford Fire Department
A portion of Rockford's Midway Theater's roof collapsed Friday.

Rockford's historic Midway Theater, one of the most recognizable buildings in the city's downtown, had a portion of its roof collapse today. Built in 1918 as a movie house, it's the former home of the Rockford Symphony Orchestra and was a popular rock venue. Recent plans to rehabilitate the neglected theater have fallen through, and it has stood vacant for several years. 

The large section of roof that fell was in front of the stage. The building's owner is being told by the city to reinforce the structure and begin work on a permanent plan for the theater's future. 

 

Susan is an award-winning reporter/writer at her favorite radio station. She's also WNIJ's Perspectives editor, Under Rocks contributor, and local host of All Things Considered.