Rockford moves to place historic Illinois National Guard Armory up for sale

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — A Rockford City Council advisory committee has approved a plan to put the historic Illinois National Guard Armory up for sale.

Built in 1934, The Armory, at 605 S. Main Street, served as the headquarters for the Illinois National Guard for 60 years, and became a music venue in the 1970s, hosting performances by acts such as KISS, ZZ Top, REO Speedwagon, Black Sabbath, Barry Manilow, Henry Mancini, Cheap Trick, Rush, Blue Oyster Cult, and Fleetwood Mac.

In 1989, the stone art deco building received upgrades to house the 404th Chemical Brigade, which stayed housed there until 1993.

In 2000, the building was placed under landmark status on the National Register of Historic Places.

The building, which has sat vacant for decades, was donated to the City in 2006.

Rockford’s Code and Regulations Committee approved the authorization to put the property up for sale on Monday night. It now advances to the full City Council.

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