Construction is proceeding on schedule. The general construction timeline for the redevelopment of McKee/Hostetter and Dezendorf Halls is 15-months of construction and completion in summer 2025 pending weather. General construction progress reports will be provided on this page as they become available. The timeline below provides the generalized construction timeline.
Progress update as of 9/16/2024:
GROWTH is happy to share with our progress report on Shimer Square in partnership with Estes Construction:​
  • 6 months of active construction
  • 35,700 hours of work completed
  • 30 workers on average per week
  • No safety issues or incidents
​These numbers reflect more than just statistics. We are proud to work with Estes Construction and all subcontractors, who have ensured a safe environment for construction to continue without incidents. The safety of all on site is our utmost priority. 35,700 hours completed by dedicated workers who battled the summer heat and challenging conditions within historic buildings, meticulously saving and inventorying each historically significant piece and rehabilitating historic windows. It’s solid, hard work, but the rewards are immense as we witness the transformation into 51 new apartments.

The saying, "they don't build 'em like they used to" rings true in the hallways of Shimer Square. Solid craftsmanship went into building these structures, and we’re proud that solid craftsmanship is shaping its future.

An average of 30 workers on site means 30 more mouths to feed in local restaurants, gas tanks to fill, supplies to gather at local stores, and 30 new guests into Mt. Carroll who may want bring their families to experience all that the community has to offer. Economic Growth Corporation's efforts extend beyond redevelopment; we encompass true economic and community development, and opportunities for local businesses to seize and thrive.

As construction ramps up, the number workers will soon increase to 150 on site weekly.
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. ​