OREGON – Washington Corner, one of the downtown’s largest and most distinctive commercial buildings, has been bought by local restaurateurs Antonio and Peter Alfano.

Dating from the 1870s, Washington Corner encompasses three structures, the oldest of which is the F.C. Jones building at 304-306 Washington St.

The closing took place Monday, but the terms of the sale were not immediately disclosed. The brothers Alfanos own Alfano’s Pizzeria and Italian restaurant at 801 S. Fourth St.

“I’m delighted that the new owners are successful longtime local businessmen,” previous owner Warren Miller said. “They have a real stake in the Oregon community, and I am sure they will do well with the property. That said, however, this is a bittersweet occasion for me, as it represents the end of my formal association with Ogle County.

“Though I have not lived here for 25 years, Washington Corner and my other business ventures have kept me well-connected with this area, which I will always remember with great affection and respect.”

The grandson of former Illinois Gov. Frank O. Lowden, Miller previously owned and operated the Sinnissippi Forest Christmas tree business, and its lumber mill and logging venture.

Beginning in 1992, he initiated the transfer of more than 2,200 acres of the family’s forestland to the state for the creation of Lowden Miller State Forest, named in honor of his grandparents and parents, Dr. and Mrs. C. Phillip Miller.

Miller and his late wife, Nancy, bought the property they renamed Washington Corner in 1985.

“It was really run down and on the verge of being condemned by the city,” Miller said. “The buildings were something of a fire trap and health hazard, as the only occupants for a number of years were rodents and pigeons. But we knew the buildings were too important to the city, historically and architecturally, and were definitely worth rehabilitating.”

After major restoration and renovation, the building was reopened in 1989 with four first-floor store fronts and more than a half-dozen office spaces on the second floor.

The building now houses Stitches in Time, This & That Accessories, the Folk Law Firm, and the office of attorney George Enstrom.

Miller said the property will remain an office building, and the current leases will continue.