CE“Once GROWTH took title to the property in December 2018, our first commitment was to bring Mayfest back to the campus. It only makes sense that three years later, after one intervening pandemic, we come back to Mayfest to update the community on our good news, and to assure the same community that GROWTH is working hard behind the scenes to advance the shared plans that are starting to be realized for this historic campus.”
~ Brian Hollenback, President/CEO for GRWOTH |
Shimer Square’s Redevelopment Kick OffResidents and visitors learned of GROWTH's redevelopment update at Mayfest, a beloved community festival held on Shimer Square's campus, on May 28th where Mayor Carl Bates and GROWTH President/CEO Brian Hollenback updated the community on the redevelopment by announcing the official kick off for construction will begin fall 2022. GROWTH board members and staff attended the Mayfest festival where hundreds attended and learned of GROWTH's redevelopment update.
“We acknowledge a culmination of many individuals’ tireless efforts over the last 3 years. Shimer Square’s development offers a fitting example of what a true community-based developer can do with local support,” says Mr. Hollenback. “This first phase of Shimer Square’s redevelopment will re-energize the heart of this beloved campus. We appreciate the community’s continued support and are truly privileged to bring this historic campus back to life, one phase at a time.” “We commemorate the next great step in reconnecting Shimer Square to the heart of our community. Our beloved campus will now see investment and opportunities that will bring in new residents and businesses into our community. I have fully supported GROWTH and their efforts on this campus and am extremely excited to see the redevelopment plan being realized,” commented Mayor Carl Bates. The redevelopment starting in fall 2022 will create a total of 88 units of housing and redevelop 5 of the 17 total buildings. Future phases are anticipated to provide additional housing, community, and commercial/ retail space for lease. |
Rediscover Shimer Square.
In the center of the historic community of Mt. Carroll, IL sits a former college campus, with 14 rolling acres, historic trees, and 17 brick buildings ready for revitalization. Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation d/b/a Economic Growth Corporation (GROWTH) is working to breathe new life into this historic campus through its revitalization efforts that will result in new residents, new businesses, and enhanced quality of life. The campus has a rich history of academics. Times evolved and needs changed, but one remained constant- the community’s will to never give up on its beloved campus.
In 2018, citizens joined together for the sake of their historic asset in search of a community-minded partner to preserve and revitalize its community anchor with shared vision to restore the campus’ natural beauty, capitalize on community pride, and bring the campus back to life. GROWTH took title to the property December 31, 2018 and has developed a comprehensive, multi-year development plan aimed at the preservation and revitalization of Shimer Square’s historic fabric while protecting its historic integrity.
Now in 2022, GROWTH is nearing closer to closing on financing of more than $40 million that will kick off revitalization efforts for two phases of its redevelopment plan. We look to celebrate the past while building for the future, aligning shared efforts to restore and revitalize the historic campus into a new, mixed-use neighborhood with residential, commercial and community amenities.
In 2018, citizens joined together for the sake of their historic asset in search of a community-minded partner to preserve and revitalize its community anchor with shared vision to restore the campus’ natural beauty, capitalize on community pride, and bring the campus back to life. GROWTH took title to the property December 31, 2018 and has developed a comprehensive, multi-year development plan aimed at the preservation and revitalization of Shimer Square’s historic fabric while protecting its historic integrity.
Now in 2022, GROWTH is nearing closer to closing on financing of more than $40 million that will kick off revitalization efforts for two phases of its redevelopment plan. We look to celebrate the past while building for the future, aligning shared efforts to restore and revitalize the historic campus into a new, mixed-use neighborhood with residential, commercial and community amenities.
Contact Us
GROWTH is a 501(c)3 non-profit community-based development organization with a national footprint. GROWTH's home office is located at 100 19th Street, Suite 109, Rock Island, IL 61201.
Equal Opportunity Provider.
Phone: (309) 794-6711
Email: info@growthcorp.org
Equal Opportunity Provider.
Phone: (309) 794-6711
Email: info@growthcorp.org
|