South Main Street

“Roper Will Build New Plant Here”

“Plan to Spend Million”

“Construction of a $1,000,000 building in Blackhawk avenue for the George D. Roper corporation, gas range and pump manufacturers, and consolidation of all units of the firm on one plant site were announced yesterday by Mabon P. Roper, president.”

“Actual construction of the new building, which will have 180,000 feet of floor space, will be started next week with completion of work scheduled for Nov. 1.  The present South Main St. buildings, occupied since 1900, have been sold to the Illinois Central Railway, which owns the land, and, according to reports, will be taken over by the Eclipse Fuel and Engineering company, 811 South Main street.”

“Will Be 400 by 450 Feet”

“The new building will be located southwest of the present foundry enameling and heating works, on the corporation’s 50 acre site between C.B. and Q. right of way and Blackhawk park. It will cover a space 400 by 450 feet.”

“The office building, facing Blackhawk avenue, will be part of the plant proper, having two story elevation, however, and be an impressive entrance way. The newest ideas in construction will be involved in the structure,”

“The design will facilitate swifter and more economical production of the companies products, and brick walls with steel and reinforced concrete will give the building unusual strength.”

“When complete, the new plant will house approximately 600 employees.”

“Plans for the structure were prepared by the Frank D. Chase company, architects, Chicago.”

Source: Rockford Morning Star June 8, 1929