Sawyer House
|
GROWTH will be rehabilitating the former President home, Sawyer House, into a Resource Center to provide business development education to support and promote entrepreneurship opportunities and available CDFI small business resources for small businesses wishing to open within Shimer Square.
The Resource Center will also be a hub to promote HUD-certified housing counseling services for Carroll County residents to promote GROWTH's HUD-certified housing counseling resources that promotes homeownership, financial literacy, budgeting, fair housing, money management principles, and foreclosure prevention. The Resource Center will also provide fair housing information and other resources and tools to help create wealth-building opportunities for residents within Shimer Square and beyond to help them in their future. |
The Sawyer House will be redeveloped into a Resource Center using Rebuild Illinois grant funds. The site will also house Shimer Square's property management office for Home Base Property Management, LLC and serve as a construction office during the redevelopment period.
|
Daycare Site
|
The inclusion of a daycare facility at Shimer Square was requested by the community early in the development process. To make this expressed community need a reality, GROWTH applied and was awarded $800,000 in grant funds from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services for a daycare facility within Shimer Square. At the time of the application, GROWTH identified an existing building within the campus, but after further review and consideration of daycare facility requirements, it was determined new construction would be best suited to fit the needs of the children and the daycare provider, as the cost to adapt an existing building would be much greater.
GROWTH has expended additional funds to engage an architect in the planning and design of the proposed new building. Currently, a market study is underway as a vital and necessary part to fully quantify demand for daycare within Carroll County. It is also a prerequisite to partnering with a licensed operator. When complete, it will provide concrete details on demand, projected participants, pricing, and desirable amenities and features. |
Rendering of the preliminary design of the Shimer Square daycare center. The proposed site is south within Shimer Square campus on Seminary Street.
|
Start and Grow Your Business
Shimer Square will offer many opportunities to start and grow your business. Entrepreneurs seeking office or retail space set within the campus setting will benefit from a built-in audience of new Shimer Square residents, families, visitors, new entrepreneurs, and artisans that continue to relocate and start their own business in Mount Carroll.
Commercial buildings in Shimer Square have features not found in typical commercial offerings due to the nature of its location. Thoughtful placemaking is incorporated into the full development effort of Shimer Square, offering a perfect location for your business and employees uniquely set within acres of historic trees and land.
Five (5) business incubators will be created that will be designed to support and grow small business, entrepreneurship, and start-ups.
Commercial buildings in Shimer Square have features not found in typical commercial offerings due to the nature of its location. Thoughtful placemaking is incorporated into the full development effort of Shimer Square, offering a perfect location for your business and employees uniquely set within acres of historic trees and land.
Five (5) business incubators will be created that will be designed to support and grow small business, entrepreneurship, and start-ups.
Commercial/ Community Redevelopment Sites
The scope of work defined in early conversations with the project team and key stakeholders is to be a multiyear phased development containing artist/live/work space, senior and family housing, as well as community quality of life amenities. The total development costs exceed $60+ million and to be completed in 5-7 years. Subject to change as opportunities and needs present themselves.
Metcalf Hall- initial plans identify making the necessary repairs and utilizing as a community-focused events center
Dearborn Hall- repurposing for commercial development
|
Gymnasium- converting to a community center that maintains its original use providing recreational activities
Campbell Library- repurposing into a office/ museum
|
Howe Hall- converting into a mixed-use development hosting a restaurant, microbrewery, and lodging opportunities
Tolman Hall- repurposing into a mixed-use development providing opportunities for arts and retail incubation
|
