The Cadillac Hotel in downtown Rochester is now closed for renovations.

The nearly century-old hotel on Chestnut Street will undergo major repair work.

The hotel already postponed construction work for two weeks to help people who live at the hotel to find places to say. 

The House of Mercy and the Homeless Union of Rochester assembled outside of the hotel on Friday morning to rally against what they say is an illegal lockout of tenants.

The protesters say people are being forced out to make way for upscale apartments. The group said they were able to find alternate housing for all but one resident.

They say they will continue to advocate for the homeless.

"We're here fighting for our low income, our poor who cannot afford to live in luxury apartments and who can't afford these high rents," said Sister Grace Miller, a advocate from the House of Mercy homeless center.

Owners of the hotel released a statement Friday afternoon:

"Over the last few months, we have worked with multiple community organizations to help transition hotel guests who used this location regularly. The Cadillac Hotel has seen many visitors walk through its doors over the years. With the hotel closed, we can now commence the process to address significant and long overdue renovations. In time, we hope to bring the property back to its original luster."