A new public library returns to its historic site.
The story of the Rockford Public Library begins over 100 years ago with an underused property plagued by “the stench,” that was the aftermath of the Rockford Gas, Light, and Coke Company’s manufactured gas plant. This riverfront site became the home of Rockford Public Library in 1903 with a grant from Andrew Carnegie, and later expanded in the 1960’s. About that same time Commonwealth Edison acquired Rockford Gas, Light, and Coke. In 2010 ComEd pursued an environmental survey at the former “stench” site, now being an asset/liability of theirs, and determined that extensive remediation was necessary from their evaluation with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. The library remained in use until 2017 when it was demolished, and a multi-year process of site remediation and rebuilding, in partnership with Commonwealth Edison and the Illinois EPA. What followed was a decade-long collaboration between the library, Commonwealth Edison, the City of Rockford, the Rockford Park District and the design and construction team to reimagine this vital civic institution.
Community is at the heart of the new building
The first step of the design process required pencils down and ears open in order to hear community voices during engagement sessions. The design then incorporated those ideas and the new downtown library is now a flexible, future-ready community hub dedicated to learning in all forms. In addition to books, it offers vibrant media and maker labs, exterior rooftop terraces, several multi-purpose rooms, a two-story gallery, dedicated teen and children’s areas, and a quiet reading room.
Embracing the riverfront and an environment for learning
From the interior, patrons can enjoy sweeping views of the Rock River through its strategic incorporation of glass walls. Sustainability, accessibility, and urban connectivity are woven throughout—from an underground hidden parking garage to a riverwalk-integrated landscape and bird-friendly façade. Despite pandemic-era challenges, the project team stayed true to the vision, delivering a space that embodies Rockford’s resilience and commitment to shared growth.
