About Shimer Square
Shimer College is rich with history, originally incorporated as a female-governed Mount Carroll Seminary in Mt. Carroll in 1853. The College evolved and closed its campus in Mt. Carroll in 1979, sending a ripple effect and leaving leaders grappling with what to do next. Fearing the dissolution of the campus as a whole and the negative impact on the local economy, a group of citizens joined to purchase the campus and find a new purpose for it. They successfully kept the campus intact. Many years and many attempted efforts were made to keep the campus alive, until finally, all the buildings were abandoned and left vacant, with plans to give the deteriorating campus to the City.
In 2018, citizens joined together for the sake of their historic asset in search of a community-minded partner to preserve and revitalize its community anchor with shared vision to restore the campus’ natural beauty, capitalize on community pride, and bring the campus back to life.
By invitation, Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation (GROWTH), a 501(c)3 non-profit development organization, conducted a site visit, met with community stakeholders, and then received unanimous approval by its Board of Directors to acquire and create a comprehensive redevelopment plan to entirely revitalize this established footprint of 17-buildings within a 14-acre campus. GROWTH took title in December 2018 and then went to work to develop a comprehensive, multi-year development plan aimed to preserve, revitalize, and adaptively reuse the vacant buildings into a mixed-use campus filled with quality housing options, businesses, and access to resources.
In May 2019, by community ballot and ultimately a coin toss by the Mayor, the campus was renamed Shimer Square, signifying the official kick off for the multi-year, multi-phase redevelopment work throughout a series of phases. Since then, GROWTH has been working diligently behind the scenes to raise the necessary capital and structure complex financing to close on its various redevelopment efforts.
In 2023, construction officially commenced as GROWTH deployed its $1.5 million Rebuild Illinois grant toward the preservation and enhancement of key areas, including the Sawyer House, front entry gate, infrastructure improvements, and laying the groundwork for future redevelopment at Hathaway Hall. Behind-the-scenes efforts persisted to finalize structures and initiate construction for 51 units of rental housing, a $32 million investment supported by nine layers of complex financing.
Furthermore, a feasibility study was completed, affirming the viability of a childcare development center on campus. Leveraging the $800,000 grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services, GROWTH advanced plans to secure an operator, with finalization expected in early 2024.
As 2024 unfolds, these efforts will come to fruition, bringing the vision to life and welcoming new residents and community amenities in 2025.
GROWTH's redevelopment of Shimer Square is a cornerstone in advancing numerous strategies outlined in local, regional, and state planning objectives. Our efforts not only stimulate economic growth but will contribute to the increasing the development of the region's workforce, creating jobs, housing opportunities, bolstering economic vitality and ensuring its continued vibrancy and growth.
In 2018, citizens joined together for the sake of their historic asset in search of a community-minded partner to preserve and revitalize its community anchor with shared vision to restore the campus’ natural beauty, capitalize on community pride, and bring the campus back to life.
By invitation, Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation (GROWTH), a 501(c)3 non-profit development organization, conducted a site visit, met with community stakeholders, and then received unanimous approval by its Board of Directors to acquire and create a comprehensive redevelopment plan to entirely revitalize this established footprint of 17-buildings within a 14-acre campus. GROWTH took title in December 2018 and then went to work to develop a comprehensive, multi-year development plan aimed to preserve, revitalize, and adaptively reuse the vacant buildings into a mixed-use campus filled with quality housing options, businesses, and access to resources.
In May 2019, by community ballot and ultimately a coin toss by the Mayor, the campus was renamed Shimer Square, signifying the official kick off for the multi-year, multi-phase redevelopment work throughout a series of phases. Since then, GROWTH has been working diligently behind the scenes to raise the necessary capital and structure complex financing to close on its various redevelopment efforts.
In 2023, construction officially commenced as GROWTH deployed its $1.5 million Rebuild Illinois grant toward the preservation and enhancement of key areas, including the Sawyer House, front entry gate, infrastructure improvements, and laying the groundwork for future redevelopment at Hathaway Hall. Behind-the-scenes efforts persisted to finalize structures and initiate construction for 51 units of rental housing, a $32 million investment supported by nine layers of complex financing.
Furthermore, a feasibility study was completed, affirming the viability of a childcare development center on campus. Leveraging the $800,000 grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services, GROWTH advanced plans to secure an operator, with finalization expected in early 2024.
As 2024 unfolds, these efforts will come to fruition, bringing the vision to life and welcoming new residents and community amenities in 2025.
GROWTH's redevelopment of Shimer Square is a cornerstone in advancing numerous strategies outlined in local, regional, and state planning objectives. Our efforts not only stimulate economic growth but will contribute to the increasing the development of the region's workforce, creating jobs, housing opportunities, bolstering economic vitality and ensuring its continued vibrancy and growth.
