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.
As a minority-controlled, mission-driven organization, GROWTH identifies its redevelopment plan and works to raise capital behind the scenes until it is able to close and begin construction. In any given time, this takes an average of 3 years. In these unprecedented times post-COVID with rising construction costs, labor shortages, rising interest rates, GROWTH continues to persevere and is proud to present its updates on Shimer Square to the Mount Carroll City Council and community.
To date, GROWTH has been successful in attracting resources amounting to $32,550,000 that will be deployed directly into the campus to create vital housing, business, and community amenities. This will create a new tax base to further increase the quality of life and community amenities that Mount Carroll proudly offers.
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.
As a minority-controlled, mission-driven organization, GROWTH identifies its redevelopment plan and works to raise capital behind the scenes until it is able to close and begin construction. In any given time, this takes an average of 3 years. In these unprecedented times post-COVID with rising construction costs, labor shortages, rising interest rates, GROWTH continues to persevere and is proud to present its updates on Shimer Square to the Mount Carroll City Council and community.
To date, GROWTH has been successful in attracting resources amounting to $32,550,000 that will be deployed directly into the campus to create vital housing, business, and community amenities. This will create a new tax base to further increase the quality of life and community amenities that Mount Carroll proudly offers.
Now Seeking Campus Advocate Program
We understand the actions made by a select few has impacted an entire community. Economic Growth Corporation is seeking a Campus Advocate that will bring citizen volunteers into partnership with Economic Growth Corporation to pick up trash and keep Shimer Square’s campus clean. Campus Advocates will be able to use the campus for its intended use and enjoyment from sunrise to sunset. Just about anyone can be a campus advocate. Those interested may call (309) 794-6711 and ask for Andrew Fisher.
· We are looking for one local person that would like to be lead the program which would entail:
· Share and manage a sign up sheet for those that would like to use the campus
· Those that wish to sign up agree to help remove litter and any fallen debris obstructing the sidewalks (such as twigs)
· Share the sign up sheet with Economic Growth Corporation and access to the campus will be granted
· Campus Advocate will be self-managed and report any updates / changes to Economic Growth Corporation
· We are looking for one local person that would like to be lead the program which would entail:
· Share and manage a sign up sheet for those that would like to use the campus
· Those that wish to sign up agree to help remove litter and any fallen debris obstructing the sidewalks (such as twigs)
· Share the sign up sheet with Economic Growth Corporation and access to the campus will be granted
· Campus Advocate will be self-managed and report any updates / changes to Economic Growth Corporation
Shimer Square Campus Closed to Public effective immediately; open for Mayfest only
Posted 5/18/2023
Less than three days after being reopened, the Shimer Square campus is closed again to the public effective immediately. The campus will be only during Mayfest on May 26-28 and will be closed thereafter and will remain that way until further notice.
Economic Growth Corporation announced it would reopen the campus on May 15th and immediately began to see signs of destructive behavior come back, seeing signs of bricks used to break multiple windows and obstructions thrown into the grass with the intent to do harm to equipment. “It has been made clearly known to us that the best way to protect the buildings is to keep the campus closed. We attempted to reopen the campus for public enjoyment, but destructive behaviors immediately reared its ugly head. We are left with no choice other than to close it again,” remarked Andrew Fisher, Construction Director for Economic Growth Corporation.
Outside of Mayfest set up and event weekend, violators will be asked to leave the campus and if they choose not to will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Anyone with information related to the vandalism is asked to contact the Mt. Carroll Police Department at (815) 244-5313.
Less than three days after being reopened, the Shimer Square campus is closed again to the public effective immediately. The campus will be only during Mayfest on May 26-28 and will be closed thereafter and will remain that way until further notice.
Economic Growth Corporation announced it would reopen the campus on May 15th and immediately began to see signs of destructive behavior come back, seeing signs of bricks used to break multiple windows and obstructions thrown into the grass with the intent to do harm to equipment. “It has been made clearly known to us that the best way to protect the buildings is to keep the campus closed. We attempted to reopen the campus for public enjoyment, but destructive behaviors immediately reared its ugly head. We are left with no choice other than to close it again,” remarked Andrew Fisher, Construction Director for Economic Growth Corporation.
Outside of Mayfest set up and event weekend, violators will be asked to leave the campus and if they choose not to will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Anyone with information related to the vandalism is asked to contact the Mt. Carroll Police Department at (815) 244-5313.
Market study strongly supports development of daycare center at Shimer Square
Rendering of proposed Early Childhood Development Center at the Shimer Square campus in Mount Carroll, IL.
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Posted 5/4/2023
“The investment made by the City of Mount Carroll in funding the market study is an investment in the future of our community and our families that call it home. The market study provides the hard evidence that was already evident. I am proud of the strong statistics the market study presents that will allow even more families, especially those with young children, the opportunity to access high-quality care options that meet their needs,” remarked Carl Bates, Mayor for Mount Carroll. “This effort is a true demonstration of many members of our region coming together that paved the way for such a successful market study. The amount of time each participant spent during the interview process was impressive and allowed us to access that much more information needed to move the daycare process forward. Thank you to everyone who helped make this possible,” said Alderwoman Nancy Bandemer. Click here to view full news release and Executive Summary. |
$1.5 Million Rebuild Illinois contract out to bid
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GROWTH is current accepting bids for for “Shimer Square Phase 1A” (the “Project”) until 3:00PM CDT on the 7th day of June 2023.
Click here to view Bid Opportunity. |
Commencement Celebration held on May 28, 2022 where Mayor Carl Bates introduced Brian Hollenback, President/CEO for GROWTH who took the time to update the community on development updates, that construction soon begin.
“Our first commitment was to bring Mayfest back to the Shimer Square 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. Photo courtesy of the Carroll County Mirror-Democrat.
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
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NOTICE: Effective Sunday, August 21, 2022 and until further notice, Economic Growth Corporation will prohibit public access to the 14-acre Shimer Square campus at 203 Seminary Street. Violators will be asked to leave the campus and if they choose not to will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. For many months, multiple buildings within Shimer Square have been repeatedly vandalized, causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage. Since taking title to Shimer Square in 2018, Economic Growth Corporation has kept the campus open for the public to enjoy, however, for the safety of all, the campus is closed to the public until further notice. Anyone with information related to the vandalism that has unfortunately been occurring on the campus is asked to contact the Mt. Carroll Police Department at (815) 244-5313.
