Jennifer McGinnis told the Rockford City Council on Aug. 18 that she and her husband are asking the city to delay demolition bids for the former Elks Club while they attempt to transfer the property to a buyer with resources to restore the building.

“My husband and I made this decision together with the intent for the building to be brought back to life at its highest and best use as an entertainment and banquet facility,” McGinnis told the council during the public comment period. She said demolition bids were due the following day at 11 a.m. and that the property had been put up for auction in September.

McGinnis asked the council for more time so a new owner and developer could step forward. She said the project could generate as much as $1,000,000 in design fees, $10 million to $12 million in construction spending and “800 ks plus in tax revenue,” and urged patience while she and her husband seek alternatives to demolition.

Her remarks were delivered as public comment; the council did not take immediate formal action during the meeting to stay demolition bids. The agenda and subsequent committee reports included other development and demolition items, but this appeal was presented as a public plea rather than as part of an agenda item.

McGinnis closed her remarks with an appeal for patience and a personal reflection on saving historic places; she identified details of the property’s preservation history, her family’s connection to the Coronado and the Elks Club and asked the mayor and council to postpone demolition while other options are pursued.