Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to Celebrate the Redevelopment of Shimer Square
On November 12, GROWTH marked a milestone years in the making with the ribbon cutting of Shimer Square in rural Mt. Carroll, Illinois. From its beginnings in the 1850s to today, the campus has been shaped by vision, grit, and the unwavering dedication of those who believed in its potential.
As Winona Branch Sawyer once reflected about Frances Wood Shimer, lasting success is born not from extraordinary gifts, but from steadfast commitment to a purpose that uplifts community- a legacy GROWTH has carried forward since arriving on campus in 2018.
Shimer Square stands today as a testament to persistence and partnership. The redevelopment brings 51 new housing units, workforce development opportunities, childcare, and new business spaces that will strengthen the region for generations.
GROWTH extends deep appreciation to its Development Team- Economic Growth Corporation staff, Applegate & Thorne-Thomsen, P.C., Baranski Hammer Moretta & Sheehy Architects & Planners, Bracket Partners, and Yost Management Services, Inc. along with its Transaction Team and the many contributors who brought this project to life.
The Illinois Housing Development Authority provided foundational support through Affordable Housing Tax Credits, Donation Tax Credits, and a COVID-19 Affordable Housing Grant Program loan, advanced with the support of former Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. Special thanks to Brice Hutchcraft, IHDA Board Member born and raised in Mount Carroll, for making the motion to approve. State and Federal Historic Tax Credits, secured in partnership with the Illinois State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service, ensured the preservation of the campus’s historic character. Gratitude is also extended to the project’s financial partners: American Bank & Trust, BankORION, Bridge Investment Community Development Corporation, the City of Mount Carroll, Clocktower Tax Credits LLC, IHMVCU, R4 Capital LLC, and Sauk Valley Bank, whose commitment to community-based development made this redevelopment possible.
Above all, GROWTH celebrates everyone who refused to give up—those who championed preservation, planning, and progress—and helped bring meaningful community impact to life again at Shimer Square.
Part of the celebration included heartfelt remarks from Shimer Great Books School Chair and students, with previous Shimer College alumni participating in the ribbon cutting event. Shimer Great Books School students honored the campus’s educational legacy and generously shared Shimer College memorabilia with guests.
Following the ribbon cutting, a community open house welcomed more than 200 attendees, offering residents, alumni, and partners the opportunity to walk the halls, explore the restored spaces, and witness firsthand the transformation of Shimer Square.
As Winona Branch Sawyer once reflected about Frances Wood Shimer, lasting success is born not from extraordinary gifts, but from steadfast commitment to a purpose that uplifts community- a legacy GROWTH has carried forward since arriving on campus in 2018.
Shimer Square stands today as a testament to persistence and partnership. The redevelopment brings 51 new housing units, workforce development opportunities, childcare, and new business spaces that will strengthen the region for generations.
GROWTH extends deep appreciation to its Development Team- Economic Growth Corporation staff, Applegate & Thorne-Thomsen, P.C., Baranski Hammer Moretta & Sheehy Architects & Planners, Bracket Partners, and Yost Management Services, Inc. along with its Transaction Team and the many contributors who brought this project to life.
The Illinois Housing Development Authority provided foundational support through Affordable Housing Tax Credits, Donation Tax Credits, and a COVID-19 Affordable Housing Grant Program loan, advanced with the support of former Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. Special thanks to Brice Hutchcraft, IHDA Board Member born and raised in Mount Carroll, for making the motion to approve. State and Federal Historic Tax Credits, secured in partnership with the Illinois State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service, ensured the preservation of the campus’s historic character. Gratitude is also extended to the project’s financial partners: American Bank & Trust, BankORION, Bridge Investment Community Development Corporation, the City of Mount Carroll, Clocktower Tax Credits LLC, IHMVCU, R4 Capital LLC, and Sauk Valley Bank, whose commitment to community-based development made this redevelopment possible.
Above all, GROWTH celebrates everyone who refused to give up—those who championed preservation, planning, and progress—and helped bring meaningful community impact to life again at Shimer Square.
Part of the celebration included heartfelt remarks from Shimer Great Books School Chair and students, with previous Shimer College alumni participating in the ribbon cutting event. Shimer Great Books School students honored the campus’s educational legacy and generously shared Shimer College memorabilia with guests.
Following the ribbon cutting, a community open house welcomed more than 200 attendees, offering residents, alumni, and partners the opportunity to walk the halls, explore the restored spaces, and witness firsthand the transformation of Shimer Square.
