Corporate Office:
​100 19th Street, Suite 109
Rock Island, Illinois 61201
309.794.6711

Housing & Financial Education Center:
114 19th Street
Rock Island, IL 61201
309.788.6311

Renaissance & GOldman Lofts

126 18th Street & 1625 2nd Avenue, Rock Island, IL  
Units: 52 Residential, Acquisition-Rehab: Preservation of Affordable Housing  
$4.87 Million
Nearly 20 years ago, GROWTH completed its first ever mixed-use development downtown Rock Island. Two large properties, the Goldman Building and Renaissance Building, located 1 ½ blocks from each other, were rehabilitated and developed in to a total of 52 contemporary loft apartments. The development still maintains an average 96% occupancy rate and waiting list. This is credited to the development’s unique floor plans, which total 14 between the two buildings.

In 2017, the City of Rock Island approved $575,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding that allowed GROWTH to fully replace all aged windows that improved energy efficiency.

​In May 2020, IHDA approved funding through the Housing Trust Fund completing the refinance package. Total project costs exceed $4.87 million. 

Funding Sources Include: 
  • Housing Trust Fund Loan- Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA)
  • Subordination of existing loan (made in 2000)- City of Rock Island
  • Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)- City of Rock Island
“Preserving access to safe, quality affordable housing is as vital as creating it. Affordable housing helps families climb the economic ladder, leading to greater community development and job creation. It is imperative we continue our affordable housing preservation efforts to ensure fair and equal access in the future. Our efforts for Renaissance Lofts and Goldman Lofts will help achieve that.” says Brian Hollenback, President and CEO for GROWTH.

“We are thankful for our partnership with GROWTH who has maximized and invested millions of dollars to grow and support affordable housing opportunity throughout Rock Island,” said Mayor Mike Thoms. “This project was a catalyst 18 years ago and successfully spurred the revitalization of downtown Rock Island into a mixed-use neighborhood and will continue to serve as a catalyst to spur additional affordable housing preservation in the future.”

“In addition to protecting long-term affordability, this closing will enable the development team to make critical repairs to modernize these rental communities, enhance their operations and improve quality of life for residents,” said IHDA Executive Director Kristin Faust. “GROWTH and the City of Rock Island have been committed partners in meeting local housing needs, and IHDA was pleased to be a part of this public-private partnership that will ensure the Renaissance-Goldman Lofts will continue to serve Rock Island residents for years to come.”

Above: Exterior of Renaissance Lofts and Goldman Lofts in 2015. Historical photos of Renaissance Lofts circa 1990. Walgreens closed in 1992, then the Development Association of Rock Island (DARI) stepped in and purchased the building with plans for commercial redevelopment of the first floor. The upper stories were then redeveloped by GROWTH and its partner Brinshore Development in early 2001, converting the upper stories into 24 residential lofts that remain popular more than 15 years later. 
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Above: Interior apartment of Goldman Lofts living area and Renaissance Lofts apartment kitchen.. The refinance includes new investment to maintain and update the exterior and interior areas of the building and includes updated mechanical, HVAC, cabinets, counter tops, flooring and exterior windows.