ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) -- Two downtown business owners join forces and open a new location after both of their offices were destroyed by the Hanley building fire last summer.

Christopher tyson and elizabeth steed are both photographers who ran their business out of a space destroyed by the fire. They say the last eight months has been tough as they looked for new studio space but eventually decided to open a joint studio. They're new studio is just across the river from their old location.

"We wanted to stay downtown, it was very important for us to be able stay downtown. We love it down here," said Christopher Tyson, owner of C. Tyson Photography.

"It's been amazing to watch the transition of downtown and how much it's grown. And we've grown with it, which has been awesome," said Elizabeth Steed, owner of ellAdele Photography.

Both Tyson and Steed say the community offered space for them to work in after the fire and they are thankful for everyone's support. The new studio is located at 211 East State Street.