Development Activity

GROWTH is in the process of redeveloping the former historic Shimer College, a 14-acre campus with a total of 17 buildings, former residential halls and instructional buildings solidly constructed between the time from 1903 and 1957.  GROWTH takes a community minded approach having an extra eye for detail, restoring unique characteristics, and preservation of the artifacts of academics past, while building for the future.

Shimer Square’s future is one of brightness and opportunity. Planned development efforts celebrate the past while building for the future, restoring and revitalizing the historic campus into a new, mixed-use neighborhood with residential, commercial, and community amenities. GROWTH's redevelopment efforts are highlighted below:​
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Sawyer House- Before
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Sawyer House- After

Shimer Square Resource Center & Future Redevelopment
Total Development Cost: $1.5 Million

In June 2024, the majority of work has been completed related to the , $1.5 Million Rebuild Illinois Economic Development grant awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity.

​Construction officially had kicked off in August 2023 thanks to the Rebuild Illinois grant. This effort results in a new Resource Center on the campus that will open in 2025 once other construction related work is completed. The Resource Center is located in the rehabilitated former Sawyer House that will provide access to resources and tools to help grow business, homeownership opportunities, and resources for tenants and community members.

Additional efforts laying the ground for future redevelopment included adding a new roof to Hathaway Hall, setting the course for its redevelopment in the future.

Shimer Square Apartments
51 total rental units
Total Development Cost: $33.4 Million

Financing closed on February 7, 2024, and construction began in March 2024 on the redevelopment of McKee Hall, Hostetter Hall, and Dezendorf Hall into 51 units of quality rental apartments. Completion is expected in the summer of 2025.

The units will feature a variety of studio, one, two, and three-bedroom options.  The units will range in size from 750 to 1,125 square feet and will offer a range of floor plans to accommodate different living preferences.  
Community amenities will be added as part of the redevelopment to enhance the overall residential living experience, including:
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.

Shimer Square Childcare Center
Total Development Cost: $1.6 million

June 4 2024, GROWTH made history by breaking ground on the new Early Childhood Development Center, creating workforce and childcare opportunities while marking the first new construction on the campus since the early 1950s. 
Key Highlights of the Early Childhood Development Center:
  • 27 new jobs to be created in total
  • Up to 83 childcare openings
  • $1.67 million development
  • 5,000+ sq. ft. facility with future expansion plans
Bid awards are to be announced by 9/30/2024 with completion aimed for 2025 with plans with a state-licensed operator underway.

Shimer Square Dismantling
Maintenance Building- 2022

Growth General Contracting, LLC coordinated the demolition of the dilapidated maintenance building on campus that occurred on November 7-8, 2022. The maintenance building was dismantled and carefully coordinated to maintain and preserve the bricks to reuse in redevelopment efforts on other buildings.
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. ​