Midway Theatre
721 E. State Street,
Rockford,
IL
61104
721 E. State Street,
Rockford,
IL
61104
13 people
favorited this theater
Showing 1 - 25 of 54 comments found
Recent news has Cheap Trick planning an upcoming museum restaurant/venue on Record Row/South Michigan Ave. in Chicago. Whatever became of the hotel complex plans Rick Nielsen had in Rockford? It was in the paper before the economic turn down. But then never heard of again. Was the Midway ever considered for that? The Midway could be a perfect sister venue to whatever they are planning in Chicago. Rick owns a piece of Piece, a pizza/bar in Chicago on North Ave. But surely a hometown investment would seem fitting too.
I uploaded the grand opening ad from 1918 as well as two pictures from the paper in this theatre’s photo section.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwKjm5T4TVE
Yep, the Coca Cola logo on the luncheonette was used in the 50’s and 60’s….
jhallock, Check out the 7/24/09 post by Sonny D.
That appears to be the most current organization involved in saving the Midway. There is a website link embedded in that post.
Lost Memory, the photo date for your post of May 17th, 2009. Should be 1963 not 1983. That site put the wrong year for that photo.
Hi, I currently live in Austin but I am a Rockford native and was recently driving past the midway theatre and found your website. Every time I come home I wonder about the state of the beautiful old buildings in downtown. Can anyone give me any info on the status of this project? has anyone really purchased the building? I am an architect and would love to lend a hand in the revitalization of the Midway. I can do renderings or drawings of potential floor plans/design ideas to help with fundraising and marketing. I think restoring this theatre would go a long way to helping the city get some life back.
A 3/13 Moller was installed in the theatre in 1918.
Is there 2 different groups trying to save the Midway?
I have formed The Midway center – Gateway Foundation and now have control of the Theater.
We are a 501.c.3 non-profit and intend to bring her back to life with a solid business foundation and much more.
We are seeking foundation volunteers to help in all aspects of this project but most importantly fund raisers.
Please E-mail me at if you would like to volunteer in any way.
Go to:
http://www.midwaycenter.org
for more information
The year given for this photo is 1983.
We have an army of volunteers.
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/281636?m=91e6b129
Over 425 in 6 days…. it breaks our hearts to see her in such disrepair.
I can answer a lot of questions here. Aside from the owner I know more about the inside of the Midway than anyone in Rockford.
A little inside info:
The Theater is in a heavy state of disrepair mostly due to 3-4 years of water damage. This damage is mostly flooring, sub floor and plaster repair. The roof needs to be completely redone. The damage to the theater itself is less than that of the front floors but is sill in very bad shape, estimates for repairs are between 2 & 3 million.
The good news: If all goes well, I’m gonna fix it. Wanna help?
Hi, How would one be able to look around inside, always wanted to understand what the interior was like, especially now. Thanks!
I just went and had a peek inside. It is pretty bad. I tried to get a hold of the realtor and he hasn’t gotten back to me. I’m going to get a hold of the Rockford historical organization. If anyone would like to have a look inside get a hold of me. We need to get the ball rolling before it’s too late.
Just looked in the windows today and it’s in pretty bad disrepair. Cracked marble, all painted surfaces are flaking, broken windows, graffiti, and most of the ceiling tiles have fallen out.
And of course, movies…..we could have a showing of Caddyshack when we reopen it.
I would like to start a Not For Profit “Save the Midway Theatre”. I am willing to put 100% of my passion, persistence, and patents into this project and will go at it full time, so we can get it purchased, up to code, and reopened to hold fundraisers for further restoration.
I will not let this beautiful piece of Rockford’s heritage fall into ruin. We owe it to our future generations. The Midway is just begging to become a community creative and performing center/music venue. Who’s with me?
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Yeah, that seems cheap. Not sure what the level of Cheap Trick’s Rick Neilsen was initially going to be. (March 2008)
I believe he is already involved in the development of a giant hotel/entertainment complex in Rockford.
This could be a neat thing for him to pick up to further bolster the other project though. Show financial commitment to restoring the historic, while building the new, etc.
C'mon Rick. You’re all allright!
Only $312K. Wow.
I went by the building yesterday and it’s for sale.
Here’s the web site:
View link
I wonder if it was converted to condos in the end, given current turmoil in the financial markets.
November 9, 2007 – Battling to save Midway Theater
A local businessman had a plan to restore and reopen the Midway for performing arts. It fell through.
From the Rockford Register Star
February 7, 2008 – Local Businessman makes offer for Midway Theater
March 5, 2008 – Cheap Trick guitarist Nielsen joins Midway effort
April 28, 2008 – Midway Theatre renovation up in air
From the Urban Remains newsletter:
“May 2008 we will begin salÂvaging the midway theater located in rockford, il. The theater was designed by j.e.o pridmore in 1918. the marquee, lobby detail and auditorium plaster will be removed. The building will be converted to condos in late 2008”
According to this website: http://www.urbanremainschicago.com
The theatre is being salvaged. Anyone have an update?