E. J. “Zeke” Giorgi Center, 200 S. Wyman Street, built by Sjostrom & Sons, Fall 1987-1989

The original name of the State of Illinois Office Building, when it was dedicated by Governor Jim Thompson Dec. 3, 1989. Renamed the E. J. “Zeke” Giorgi Center and dedicated by Governor Jim Edgar Jan. 6, 1994. Zeke Giorgi had begun lobbying for a state building in Rockford back in 1975.

Photographed by Jean Lythgoe, November 16, 2021

Mendelssohn Leaves a Mark on Local Culture

Source: Northwest Quarterly, Summer/Fall 2019

“Outlook is bleak for center here” – 11/25/1975

Source:  Rockford Register Republic 11/25/1975  and also in Rockfordiana:  Municipal Centers – 1, page 83

 

“Civic center bill is voided; $15 million lost to city in ruling” – Nov. 1975

Source: Rockford Register-Republic 11/25/1975

and in Rockfordiana:  Municipal Centers – 1, pp 82-83

 

 

“Civic Center panel studies alternate finance methods” and “Civic Center Demo draws women’s ire” – 1975

Source:  Civic Center panel….”   Rockford Morning Star 5/9/1975

Source:  “Civic Center Demo draws….”   Rockford Register-Republic 6/9/1975

Also, Rockfordiana: Municipal Centers – 1, pages 81-82

 

“Rockford ’75 pledges aid for civic center suit” and “Civic Center group seeks local architect” 1975

Source:  Rockford ’75 article: Rockford Morning Star March 19, 1975

Source: seeks local architect article, Rockford Morning Star 3/21/1975

 

 

“Civic Center’s start proposed” – 1-22-1975

 

 

Source: Rockford Register Republic 1-22-1975