Historic Transformation of McKee, Hostetter, and Dezendorf Halls into 51 Apartments

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McKee/Hostetter Hall are the largest buildings within the Shimer Square campus, and are being redeveloped in conjunction with Dezendorf Hall (pictured right) into 51 new, quality rental units ranging from studio, one, two, three bedrooms with amazing community amenities. Completion anticipated summer 2025.
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Dezendorf Hall is being redeveloped in conjunction with McKee/Hostetter Hall (pictured left) into 51 new, quality rental units ranging from studio, one, two, three bedrooms with amazing community amenities. Completion anticipated summer 2025.
The historic adaptive-reuse redevelopment of McKee Hall, Hostetter Hall, and Dezendorf Hall is transforming these landmark buildings into 51 quality rental apartments, preserving their legacy while meeting modern housing needs. The $33.4 million mixed-income development has a focus on workforce housing as a live-work initiative and provides housing options for any income level.  Thoughtfully designed studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts, ranging from 462 to 1,093 square feet, balance the charm of historic preservation with the comfort of contemporary living.
​Highlights:
  • Historic, adaptive reuse redevelopment effort
  • $33.4 million total development costs
  • Creation of 51 new, quality rental apartments
  • Studio, 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments
  • Apartments will range in size from 462- 1,093 square feet​
  • Mixed-income, live-work housing development
  • Rent ranges from $430-$948/mo
​Construction Phase:​​
  • Abatement work kicks off the redevelopment to ensure a secure environment by removing any hazardous materials.
  • Demolition will commence once abatement is completed to clear the way for new apartments while also preserving the historical elements of the buildings. Every salvageable piece will find its place in the new design.
  • Exterior work, including tuckpointing and window restoration, will then be undertaken to enhance structural integrity on all the buildings.
  • Inside, raw space will be converted into 51 apartments, ranging from studios, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom units. ​
Completion & Residents Moving In (2025):
  • Completion and move-in is anticipated for summer 2025. 
  • Join our preliminary waitlist and be part of this exciting new journey for Shimer Square!
Unit Mix:
  • Studio
  • One Bedroom
  • Two Bedroom
  • Three Bedroom
Square Footage:
  • 462 to 1,093 SF
Rent Ranges:
  • $462 to $1,093 per month
​Income:
  • All are welcome to apply
Community Amenities:
  • Community Room: serving as a central gathering space for residents, and can be utilized for various events and gatherings, including community meetings, celebrations, and special occasions.
  • Activity Room: providing residents with a dedicated space for various recreational, social, and educational activities.
  • Library/Reading Area: providing residents a designated space for quiet and focused reading and studying
  • Community Garden: access for residents to grow their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs promoting healthier lifestyles, improved nutrition, and overall well-being
  • Bike Racks: residents will be encouraged to be a part of a connected, bike-friendly campus culture
  • Picnic Tables: for residents to use for outdoor dining, picnics, or barbecues
  • Grills: offering residents the chance to cook and enjoy meals outdoors
  • Walking Path Improvements: creating opportunities for residents to connect to different areas of the campus while promoting health, community engagement, and a greater connection within the beautiful Shimer Square campus.
"This project stands as a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and collaboration. These qualities are epitomized by our esteemed Board of Directors, whose steadfast support served as a cornerstone upon which the success of this endeavor was built," remarked Brian Hollenback, President/CEO of GROWTH. "We are proud to breathe new life into these historic buildings, preserving history and heritage while fostering progress. This milestone not only marks a significant achievement for GROWTH but also underscores the unwavering commitment made by many to preserve Shimer’s history while forging the campus ahead into a brighter future."

- Brian Hollenback, President/CEO for Economic Growth Corporation

“IHDA is proud to support this effort that will give a local landmark new life as quality, affordable rental housing for families and individuals in Carroll County,” IHDA Executive Director Kristin Faust said. “Shimer Square is one of the first new housing developments the county has seen in over two decades, and it is a testament to the work of the Mount Carroll City Council, the Economic Growth Corporation and others who have been working for years to bring new housing and opportunity to the community.”

- Kristin Faust, Executive Director for the Illinois Housing Development Authority

"As Mayor of Mount Carroll, I feel fortunate to have a committed developer like GROWTH by our side throughout this transformative endeavor. Their unwavering dedication to preserving our history while driving progress forward is truly commendable,” stated Mayor Carl R. Bates, City of Mount Carroll. “The closing of financing for the historic redevelopment of McKee Hall/Hostetter Hall and Dezendorf Hall at Shimer Square is a testament to their vision and perseverance. We are lucky to have GROWTH as a partner, ensuring that Shimer's legacy thrives alongside its promising future." 

- Carl R. Bates, Mayor for the City of Mount Carroll

Economic Growth Corporation (GROWTH) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community-based development organization and the developer of Shimer Square. At GROWTH, we’re driven by a commitment to honor Shimer Square’s history with the respect it deserves. Our work represents years of dedication, countless hours, and tireless efforts from a passionate, mission-driven team. The total overall investment at Shimer Square will exceed $37 million resulting in at least a 1988.24% increase in tax base in 2025: creating and supporting 260 jobs, along with 51 new housing units, marking the first new construction multifamily development in Carroll County in over 2 decades, along with creating vital childcare openings, and a Resource Center within a previously vacant, underutilized historic campus. Every step forward is a nod to the past and a bridge to the future. 
​Until further notice, due to active construction, the Shimer Square campus located at 203 Seminary Street, Mount Carroll, IL is closed to the general public.
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Equal Opportunity Provider. 
Fair Housing/ Equal Opportunity Statements:
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. Policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.

Declaraciones sobre Vivienda Justa/Oportunidad Igualitaria:
Estamos comprometidos con la letra y el espíritu de la política de EE. UU. para lograr la igualdad de oportunidades de vivienda en toda la nación. Fomentamos y apoyamos un programa de publicidad y marketing afirmativo en el que no haya barreras para obtener vivienda debido a raza, color, religión, sexo, discapacidad, estado familiar u origen nacional.
Information throughout this website is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. ​