Condemned Hotel Could Get Second Chance

Deputy Director of Community & Economic Development Department Todd Cagnoni says "on a city basis we'd like to see the code violations corrected it. It's on a prominent corridor in our community."

The iconic lodge sits near the busy intersection of Alpine and State Streets. The property owners don't live in Rockford. Welcome Properties LLC bought Sweden House in 2008 and has done work to fix the facade and roof. Complaints about conditions inside brought the condemnation.

Miracle Mile Rockford Executive Director Jennifer Hall says "I'm sure most people in Rockford remember when this property was the premier hotel in Rockford."

The Miracle Mile group has offered to help and doesn't just want the hotel up to code, but thriving. They see a need for more quality lodging closer to downtown not just near I-90.

"I think we're going to be seeing more and more a need for lodging for tourists and for families that are coming into town for certain events," explains Hall.

For now, however, the Sweden House is condemned, closed and a danger to occupants. City officials say there's no time frame on how quickly the hotel will be up and running again, but believe it could be soon.

Cagnoni says "I believe it could be done rather quickly a matter of days not weeks to get the major life safety issues addressed."

The question is that after being condemned will visitors still be willing to check-in.