Shimer Square: Honoring History, Building Tomorrow
Shimer Square represents a transformative redevelopment initiative led by the Economic Growth Corporation (GROWTH) to revitalize the vacant former Shimer College campus nestled in the historic community of Mt. Carroll, IL. Committed to preserving the campus's unique character, historical significance, and integrity, GROWTH's revitalization effort emphasizes adaptive reuse and repurposing to create a modern mixed-use development that honors its past.
In 2023, construction commenced to enhance various facets of the campus, including preserving the campus' iconic front entry gate, implementing infrastructure improvements, establishing a Resource Center within the Sawyer House, and laying the groundwork for future redevelopment. A feasibility study conducted in 2023 overwhelmingly supported the establishment of an early childhood development center at Shimer Square for families residing within a 30-minute radius of the campus. Additionally, plans were solidified for the development of 51 new apartments.
In 2024, these collaborative efforts will transition from vision to reality. GROWTH will proudly unveil its Resource Center while diligently securing the remaining financing to advance the development of an early childhood development center and will work to secure a licensed and accredited operator. In 2025, GROWTH will unveil 51 new studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, extending a warm invitation to new families and individuals to make Shimer Square not just a place to reside, but a cherished home where lasting memories will be created.
In the ever-evolving story of Shimer Square, we invite you to help shape the chapters yet to be written. We invite you to reach out to see how you can become a part of this vibrant community, where history is cherished, and every moment reflects our shared heritage.
In 2023, construction commenced to enhance various facets of the campus, including preserving the campus' iconic front entry gate, implementing infrastructure improvements, establishing a Resource Center within the Sawyer House, and laying the groundwork for future redevelopment. A feasibility study conducted in 2023 overwhelmingly supported the establishment of an early childhood development center at Shimer Square for families residing within a 30-minute radius of the campus. Additionally, plans were solidified for the development of 51 new apartments.
In 2024, these collaborative efforts will transition from vision to reality. GROWTH will proudly unveil its Resource Center while diligently securing the remaining financing to advance the development of an early childhood development center and will work to secure a licensed and accredited operator. In 2025, GROWTH will unveil 51 new studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, extending a warm invitation to new families and individuals to make Shimer Square not just a place to reside, but a cherished home where lasting memories will be created.
In the ever-evolving story of Shimer Square, we invite you to help shape the chapters yet to be written. We invite you to reach out to see how you can become a part of this vibrant community, where history is cherished, and every moment reflects our shared heritage.
Timeline for Construction: 51 Apartments
Exciting transformations are on the horizon as Estes Construction, our trusted General Contractor, finalizes contracts for McKee, Hostetter, and Dezendorf Hall. Find the latest information on the construction timeline for McKee, Hostetter, and Dezendorf Hall by clicking here.
$32 million investment and 51 new apartments coming to Shimer Square in 2025
Construction is beginning on GROWTH's $33.4 million rehabilitation and redevelopment of the McKee/Hostetter and Dezendorf Halls. This monumental achievement reflects years of dedicated behind-the-scenes effort in securing nine layers of complex financing and many months of perseverance to finalize and begin construction.
The historical redevelopment of McKee/Hostetter and Dezendorf Halls stands as GROWTH's most ambitious adaptive-reuse redevelopment to date, characterized not only by its substantial development costs but also by its pivotal role in bringing life back into the the Shimer Square campus, representing a multifaceted approach to community and historical revitalization that will foster job creation and sustainability, increase the population base, establish a new tax base, and inject newfound vitality into the rural community landscape and region. 51 studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments will be developed ranging from 580 to 1,125 SF. Amenities include:
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Stabilizing for Future Development: Hathaway Hall
Hathaway Hall took a significant step forward with the installation of a brand-new roof. This crucial improvement not only enhances the structural integrity of the building but also sets the stage for future redevelopment endeavors. With this essential upgrade in place, Hathaway Hall is poised to undergo further transformations, ensuring its continued relevance and contribution to Shimer Square's vibrant landscape.
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Resource Center
Renovation and construction efforts commenced on August 21, 2023, at Shimer Square in Mount Carroll, IL, driven by a $1.5 million investment sourced from Rebuild Illinois support. As we near the completion of this transformative project, the impact of this investment becomes increasingly evident. The work undertaken has been comprehensive, encompassing general renovations to the Sawyer House that is being converted into a Resource Center, replacement and adding parking lot and sidewalks, masonry repairs to Shimer Square's iconic main entrance gate, asbestos removal, and interior building demolition within Bennett and Hathaway Halls. These efforts officially kicked off our revitalization effort at Shimer Square, and reflects our commitment to revitalizing this historic site, ensuring its continued relevance and vibrancy within the community for years to come. Click here to read more.
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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