ALEDO, Illinois – Community residents are invited to hear an update and share their input on the ongoing effort by Economic Growth Corporation (GROWTH) to redevelop the old Aledo Junior/Senior High School into the Northside Lofts.
The Thursday, Feb. 13, community meeting is set for 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the VFW at 106 SW Third Ave. GROWTH is the nonprofit developer leading a more than $16.4 million Northside Lofts project at 205 N College Avenue.
The planning session include light refreshments. It comes as GROWTH makes its fourth attempt to win the highly competitive and complex financing from the Illinois Housing Development Authority needed to make the project work. Such developments include multiple layers of financing that go beyond traditional debt, GROWTH said in a news release.
The funding is disbursed statewide to both metro and non-metro projects. Since Northside Lofts falls within the non-metro category, it must compete with projects throughout the state. If all goes as planned, however, construction on the adaptive-reuse development would begin in 2026 with move-in expected in early 2027.
“The Northside Lofts redevelopment is a key effort by GROWTH,” its President and CEO Brian Hollenback said in the release. “Not only will the Northside Lofts redevelopment address the community’s housing needs, but it will also revitalize a long-vacant historic property, strengthen the local tax base, and provide exceptional amenities for residents, all within close proximity and distance to downtown Aledo.”
Community members are encouraged to actively participate in the meeting, the agency said. The agenda includes updates on community revitalization efforts, a project overview and an open forum regarding community needs assessment.
Help shape the vision
Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss and provide input and contribute to a design charrette aimed at shaping the vision of the development. That session will offer a platform for community members to share their ideas, concerns, and feedback. The goal is to ensure that the project aligns with the needs and aspirations of the local community.
Registration or RSVPs are not required for the sessions. Find more information here.
Resident involvement is vital to the success of this initiative, GROWTH said. For example, the agency held its first community planning meeting on the project at the Aledo VFW on Feb. 8, 2022.
Northside Lofts is a workforce housing initiative designed to support Aledo’s Community Revitalization Strategy. It will provide 30 modern, energy-efficient apartments for individuals and families who wish to live near local businesses, services, and growing community amenities, GROWTH said.
Built in 1922, the property has remained vacant since 2003. GROWTH’s vision for Northside Lofts involves transforming the historic three-story building into modern rental housing while preserving its architectural and historical elements A new construction wing will be added.
The development’s 30 units will include studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. It will incorporate green building practices to enhance sustainability and long-term affordability for residents. For example, units will feature Energy Star appliances, ceiling fans. The building also will have advanced green building certifications to keep tenant utilities costs low.
The gym will be transformed into a multi-use community center. It will include an internet cafe with co-working space, fitness room, bike share program, and traditional game lounge.
Exterior amenities include a playground, basketball/pickleball court, community garden, and green space. The property will offer 43 parking spaces and two electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
