News Tower Lofts

News Tower Lofts

News Tower Lofts occupies a tower built for Ruth Hanna McCormick — suffragist, sitting congresswoman, daughter of the political kingmaker Mark Hanna, and by marriage part of the Chicago Tribune family. In 1930 she bought Rockford's three newspapers, combined them into Rockford Consolidated Newspapers, and raised this headquarters on the east bank of the Rock River, answering the Tribune's own tower in Chicago.

Eight stories of Art Deco by Rockford architect Jesse A. Barloga, begun in 1929 and expanded in stages over the decades that followed, it housed the city's daily paper for the better part of a century. Atop it stands the Lantern of Liberty, a sixteen-foot cupola — one of the shapes that identifies the Rockford skyline.

Urban Equity Properties is transforming the landmark into News Tower Lofts: 94 luxury apartments, 15 retail storefronts, a signature riverfront restaurant, and a publishing museum honoring the building's century as the home of Rockford's daily newspapers. Directly across from Rockford City Market, the $52.6 million redevelopment is certified for federal and Illinois historic tax credits. Construction begins in late 2026, with the first residents expected in fall 2028.

apartment

Stainless Steel Appliances
Quartz Countertops
Cathedral Ceilings
Expansive Windows
River Views
In-Unit Laundry
Central AC
Nest Thermostats

AMENITIES

Jacks Gym
Nibs Lounge
Rooftop Deck
Outdoor Kitchen
Indoor Parking
Secure Entry
Video Surveillance

Pet Policy

Dogs
Cats

rent range

$1,500–$3,200

Application Fee

$55.00

security deposit

One Month's rent