Mercyhealth confirms sale of former hospital and purchase of FHN

ROCKFORD, Ill. — Mercyhealth has confirmed the sale of a former hospital building and its purchase of another healthcare network.

In a statement to 13 WREX, Mercyhealth confirmed that the former Rockton Avenue hospital building was officially sold to Kingdom Authority Church Pastor Melvin Brown and his wife Sheila Brown .

Mercyhealth said they hope to see the Rockford community support the new owners.

The statement read, "We also encourage the Rockford community to come together in fostering an environment that allows the Browns the opportunity to demonstrate the full potential of the Rockton Avenue building."

The Browns plan to turn the site into a community hub under the name "Unity in the Community Development Center." Their plan is to create affordable housing and focuses on