Community Invited to Learn About Northside Lofts Development

February 13, 2025
5:30-6:30 p.m. 
VFW at 106 SW 3rd Ave, Aledo, IL
​GROWTH invites members of the community to learn about updates on the Northside Lofts by attending a free community meeting. Light Refreshments to be served. Community members are encouraged to actively participate in the meeting. The agenda will include updates on community revitalization efforts, an overview of the project, and an open forum on community needs assessment. 

Northside Lofts

205 N College Avenue, Aledo, Illinois
GROWTH is redeveloping the former Aledo Junior High School into Northside Lofts, merging adaptive-reuse and new construction. It offers 24 units in the existing structure and 6 in a new wing, prioritizing green practices. The development includes studios, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom apartments, with a repurposed gymnasium for community amenities. Exterior features include playgrounds, courts, and a garden. With a $16.4 million+ investment, GROWTH aims for affordable, quality housing, fostering community growth.

Since 2021, GROWTH has been actively collaborating with the City of Aledo and Windborn, a local community champion. Windborn took the proactive step of acquiring the former school property and strategically held the historic community asset until December 2023. At that point, GROWTH acquired the property from Windborn at a substantial discount, underscoring our shared commitment to a unified community vision. This shared vision is rooted in revitalizing and repurposing the historic school into an affordable, high-quality multifamily development tailored to the needs of residents and the local workforce. 
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GROWTH's currently in the process of preparing its full financing application, due on March 6th. The adaptive-reuse development surpasses total development costs of $16.4 million, with award announcements expected in July 2025. If all goes as planned, construction will start in 2026 with a move-in expected in early 2027.
Interior Amenities- Historic Gym Conversion
The historic gymnasium will be transformed into a multi-use center filled with innovative amenities to foster a sense of community among residents, surpassing what is currently available in the Aledo market. These innovative amenities will be enclosed within the gymnasium by glass walls, offering an open atmosphere while adhering to historic rehabilitation standards, and include:
  • Co-Workspace
    • Dedicated communal workspaces to support remote work and productivity.
  • Indoor Fitness Area
    • A designated space within the development where residents can engage in various fitness activities indoors.
  • Bike Share Program & Dedicated Bike Storage
    • A bike-sharing program will be implemented where residents can access and return bikes conveniently for short trips around the community while providing secure storage for personal bikes.
  • Gaming Lounge
    • Catering to diverse gaming interests with areas for traditional board games and tabletop gaming.
  • Property Management Office
    • An onsite office where residents can visit for inquiries, assistance, and serving as a central point of contact for residents and property management staff.
  • Tenant Services
    • Access to HUD-certified housing counseling and rental assistance programs for residents facing financial difficulties.
​​Exterior Amenities
  • Playground:
    • A designated area equipped with a playground, providing a safe and enjoyable space for residents and families to add engagement and socialization.
  • Basketball Court / Pickleball Court:
    • A basketball and pickleball court offering residents.
  • Community Garden:
    • An outdoor space to encourage residents and green practices.
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Located at 205 N. College Ave in Aledo, Illinois, the Northside Lofts development merges adaptive-reuse and new construction within a historic, former school, featuring 24 units within the existing structure and 6 units in a newly constructed wing. It emphasizes green building practices for energy efficiency and sustainability and offers a mix of studios, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom apartments.

Wait List

Interested in living in Northside Lofts? Have input on what you'd like to see in the redevelopment? Share your thoughts with us below and stay updated as GROWTH works to transform the former school into modern, quality, affordable housing.
100 19th Street, STE 109
Rock Island, IL 61201
309-794-6711
​[email protected]
Economic Growth Corporation and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Providers.

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. ​​In accordance with federal law and the U.S. Department of the Treasury policy, Central States Development Partners, Inc. is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.  

Conflict of Interest Statement:
Economic Growth Corporation and its affiliates (collectively, GROWTH) require staff and members of the Board of Directors to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations pertaining to GROWTH’s activities, to conduct themselves ethically and with integrity; and to avoid any conflict between their own interests and the interests of GROWTH.