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.
This year in late summer, GROWTH will begin welcoming new residents into the 51 new apartments, open its Resource Center, and extend a warm invitation to families and individuals to make Shimer Square their home. Additionally, the Early Childhood Development Center will open by a licensed operator, creating vital jobs and expanding childcare availability within the community.
In 2024, construction progressed significantly on the $33.4 million historic, adaptive-reuse conversion of McKee/Hostetter and Dezendorf Halls into 51 studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. Construction on the $2 million Early Childhood Development Center began in October 2024. Both projects will be completed in summer/fall 2025, with the childcare center completion being first.
In 2023, construction commenced to enhance various facets of the campus, including preserving the campus' iconic front entry gate, implementing infrastructure improvements, and rehabilitating and adding accessibility within the Sawyer House, which will open to the public as a Resource Center at the same time as the apartment and childcare center completion. 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.
As the story of Shimer Square continues to unfold, we invite you to be part of shaping its future. Reach out to discover how you can contribute to this vibrant community, where history is cherished, and every moment reflects our shared heritage.
This year in late summer, GROWTH will begin welcoming new residents into the 51 new apartments, open its Resource Center, and extend a warm invitation to families and individuals to make Shimer Square their home. Additionally, the Early Childhood Development Center will open by a licensed operator, creating vital jobs and expanding childcare availability within the community.
In 2024, construction progressed significantly on the $33.4 million historic, adaptive-reuse conversion of McKee/Hostetter and Dezendorf Halls into 51 studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. Construction on the $2 million Early Childhood Development Center began in October 2024. Both projects will be completed in summer/fall 2025, with the childcare center completion being first.
In 2023, construction commenced to enhance various facets of the campus, including preserving the campus' iconic front entry gate, implementing infrastructure improvements, and rehabilitating and adding accessibility within the Sawyer House, which will open to the public as a Resource Center at the same time as the apartment and childcare center completion. 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.
As the story of Shimer Square continues to unfold, we invite you to be part of shaping its future. Reach out to discover how you can contribute to this vibrant community, where history is cherished, and every moment reflects our shared heritage.
Completion on 51 Apartments Late Summer/ Early Fall
As of May 12, 2025, construction on the 51 units of apartments is targeted to be completed by late summer/early fall. The unit mix offers studio, one-,two-, and three-bedroom units within Dezendorf Hall and McKee/Hostetter Halls. Learn more by clicking here.
Update on Early Childcare Development Center
As of May 9, 2025, construction of the Early Childhood Development Center is targeting completion by early July. Exterior siding installation is completed, while interior work continues with finishing work underway. Learn more by clicking here.
Rebuild Illinois efforts completed, $1.5 Million invested
Economic Growth Corporation (GROWTH) received a $1.5 million Rebuild Illinois- Regional Economic Development grant by the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. One of 11 awardees throughout the state, GROWTH’s award highlights its alignment with Governor Pritzker’s 5-year plan strengthening economies and developing regional industry. Learn more by clicking here.
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.
$33.4 million investment and 51 new apartments under construction, opening in 2025
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Construction is underway 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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McKee/Hostetter Hall (pictured) along with Dezendorf Hall (below) are set to be redeveloped into studio, 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments ranging from 580 to 1,125 square feet.
Dezendorf Hall (pictured) along with McKee/Hostetter Hall (above) will be under construction 2024-2025 and being redeveloped into studio, 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments ranging from 580 to 1,125 square feet. Completion and move-in anticipated summer 2025.
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Stabilizing for Future Development: Hathaway Hall
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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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Hathaway Hall's new roof enhances the structural integrity of the building and sets the stage for future redevelopment endeavors.
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Resource Center, opening 2025
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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 complete 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.
Notably, the Rebuild Illinois grant-related construction 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. In 2024, the Resource Center will be used as a construction office for Growth General Contracting, LLC and GROWTH as construction continues within the campus and will officially open to the public in 2025. 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.
