In Lockport, Illinois on 10th Street and the Illinois and Michigan Canal is an imposing structure known as the Norton Building.     This building was constructed in the 1850’s by Hiram Norton, a local entrepreneur.  It was 3 and one half stories high.  The limestone used in its construction was quarried locally.   It was strategically located between the I and M Canal on the west and the Chicago and Alton Railroad on the east.   The Norton Company was a major player in Lockport economy for nearly 50 years.  It was a large employer and helped to establish the city as an agricultural center.
     The Norton Building had many uses during its history.  It was used to house grain; it was a supply store: it was used as dormitory for canal workers; it was used as a grain processing facility to the 1950’s. Norton, Inc. was sold to American Grains in 1897. It was subsequently sold to Quaker Oats. In the 1950’s, it was sold to a steel fabricator.

Norton Building

Norton Building

In 1980’s, it was sold to the Norton Building and Company. This organization undertook an extensive restoration project. It was developed as a multi-use facility. There were residential lofts, offices, and commercial space. The Illinois State Museum Complex occupied most of the first floor.