Rockford Officials Look to Redevelop Historic Watch Factory

ROCKFORD, Ill. (AP) — The city of Rockford is looking for a developer to remake a historic watch factory.

The Rockford Register Star reports aldermen voted Monday to solicit bids to redevelop the Rockford Watch Co. factory. The city owns the building, which was built in 1880 and has been designated a landmark by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.

It's located near the future site of a $24 million sports complex. The UW Health Sports Factory is scheduled to open in May and is expected to attract thousands of visitors for sports tournaments and other events.

City officials are hoping the facade of the watch factory building can be repaired before the sports facility opens.