The Illinois Housing Development Authority and Economic Growth Corp. on Wednesday celebrated the grand opening of Shimer Square, marking a major milestone in the multiphase redevelopment of the historic Shimer College campus.

The project preserves the campus’ architectural legacy while reimagining the 14-acre site as a dynamic mixed-use community that delivers new housing, job creation and long-term economic vitality for Mount Carroll and the region, according to a news release.

“Shimer Square is a shining example of what’s possible when community vision, public partnership and determined local leadership unite around a shared dream,” said Kristin Faust, executive director of IHDA. “This campus holds a profound history, and today it opens a new chapter – one filled with opportunity and hope. It offers families a place to thrive and sets the foundation for investment that will echo for generations.

“Someone once said Shimer is like a phoenix, and this development is its latest rising. Congratulations to everyone whose commitment helped breathe new life into this remarkable place.”

The first phase of the Shimer Square redevelopment brings 51 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments to the former McKee/Hostetter Halls and Dezendorf Hall, blending modern amenities with thoughtful historic preservation. Apartments range from 580 to 1,125 square feet and offer access to a community room, game room, library area, walking path, community garden, bike racks and outdoor grill area, creating a welcoming, connected environment for residents.

“Economic Growth Corp. has been an absolute blessing to our community and to the entire region,” Mount Carroll Mayor Carl R. Bates said. “The impact they’ve made – and continue to make – through Shimer Square is remarkable and reaches far beyond Mount Carroll’s borders. We are truly grateful for their dedication and for believing in what this campus could become.

“Without GROWTH and the support of IHDA and all others, we would be in an entirely different position as a community and as stewards of the former Shimer campus. This place is truly special, and seeing the vision come to life is something I can’t express enough. To everyone who has worked, invested and believed in this project, thank you.”

GROWTH assumed ownership of the campus Dec. 31, 2018, and immediately engaged residents and stakeholders to shape its future. Although the pandemic introduced unprecedented delays, cost increases and supply chain challenges, project partners remained committed to realizing the full vision of a revitalized, community-centered campus.

“This has been one of the most challenging projects I’ve ever been part of, along with our incredible team,” said Brian Hollenback, president/CEO of Economic Growth Corp. “But with that hard work comes an extraordinary result. This achievement is the product of so many people who refused to give up, through years of persistence, problem-solving and partnership. To take a campus that has been mostly vacant since the 1970s and bring it back to life within a rural community, creating quality, workforce housing and new opportunities, is something I am deeply proud we could accomplish together.”

Shimer Square required a complex financing structure built from nine coordinated sources. IHDA provided the core foundation through low-income housing tax credits, donation tax credits and a COVID-19 Housing Assistance Grant.

These resources were further leveraged by state and federal tax credits from the Illinois Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service, as well as support from American Bank & Trust, BankORION, Bridge Investment Community Development Corp., the city of Mount Carroll, Clocktower Tax Credits, IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union, R4 Capital and Sauk Valley Bank.

Shimer Square will include a new resource center in Sawyer House. It will house Yost Management Services’ on-site property management office, as well as space for GROWTH to provide HUD-approved housing counseling, and for Bridge Investment Community Development Corp. to offer small-business lending through the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund. The center will connect the community to key housing and economic resources.

In addition to the new housing focus, GROWTH also is celebrating completion of the Honey Bee Child Development Center, managed by Community Coordinated Child Care (4-C). Serving as a critical community asset, the center will expand access to high-quality child care and workforce development resources across the region. 4-C is currently hiring staff and finalizing licensing with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services before opening enrollment.

Momentum continues to build across the campus, with plans underway for a microbrewery and lodging in Howe Hall, a mobile coffee shop with long-term tenancy in Tolman Hall, a café and maker space in the historic Campbell Library, and expanded child care in Dearborn Hall.