Rebuild Illinois

Economic Growth Corporation (GROWTH) received a $1.5 million Rebuild Illinois-Regional Economic Development grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. As one of 11 recipients statewide, GROWTH’s award supports Governor Pritzker’s 5-year plan to strengthen economies and develop regional industries. Watch the 3-minute video for a full summary of efforts and progress photos.

Highlights:
  • Investment: $1.5 million
  • Jobs: Creation/support of 25 jobs
  • Support for: Women-owned businesses, minority-owned businesses, apprenticeships

Project Details:
  • Restoration of the historic front entry gate
  • Implementation of new infrastructure
  • Stabilization of Hathaway Hall
  • Rehabilitation of Sawyer House
  • Installation of a high-efficiency boiler and A/C system
  • Addition of an ADA restroom and new plumbing
  • Integration of new fiber and data cabling
Opening 2025:
  • Resource Center
  • Co-Work Space
  • CDFI Small Business Loans
  • HUD-approved housing counseling services
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. ​