Our downtown courtyard has been made cleaner, fresher and more beautiful in part by the efforts of two wonderful ladies spearheading this task: Thelma Swiech and Nancy Gmitro. Both have often been spotted consulting with arborists and landscapers as well as planting and caring for new vegetation and flowers. This beautification team was also involved with the new landscaping at the Community House.
Our courtyard fountain has been included in other beautification efforts downtown. Thanks to the hard work and research of the beautification team and Sue at City Hall, we now know that the fountain belongs to the County. Preservation and repair will be done next year.
Stop by and look at the intricate work on the fountain’s centerpiece.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Fall 2008 Stone House
A permanent park setting and historic site, including the Stone House restored in part or in whole, is planned at the Northern entrance to the community. This open space and historic remnant will greet visitors and natives to an inviting rest area.
The purchase of the property was made possible by a generous donation from John and Nancy Gmitro. A matching fund program in John’s memory continues to support this exciting effort. For this wishing to donate, please contact THE National Bank in Mount Carroll.
Cleanup efforts are underway and will continue throughout the Fall. We always need assistance from volunteers to remove debris, make repairs and plan for this project.
The purchase of the property was made possible by a generous donation from John and Nancy Gmitro. A matching fund program in John’s memory continues to support this exciting effort. For this wishing to donate, please contact THE National Bank in Mount Carroll.
Cleanup efforts are underway and will continue throughout the Fall. We always need assistance from volunteers to remove debris, make repairs and plan for this project.
Fall 2008 Kraft Corner
With dedicated volunteers, funding efforts and a team with a vision, Kraft Building renovations are coming along beautifully. From a full time visitor’s center to retail shops to business incubator, this building will be home to businesses and services that will benefit the community and new ventures for years to come.
Hopefully you have had the opportunity to see how far the Kraft Building has come since last year. Our last newsletter left you with anticipation of locating the funding necessary to replace the badly damaged windows throughout the building. All the windows will be replaced at an estimated cost of $75,000. It is the single largest renovation expense we have encountered.
Hard work and dedication from the CDC team has created a connection with the USDA to obtain a much needed Rural Development Grant for $99,000. There’s still plenty of cleanup work to be done and we hope to be open for use by Spring of 2009. If you would like to volunteer or donate, please feel free to call for more information: 815-244-4401
By Spring 2009 we expect to have a number of businesses on the ground floor. These businesses will be part of our incubator concept. A new, small startup business can use the Kraft Building to kickstart their entrepreneurial journey, or an experienced business can take steps to grow. Beginning business basics will be provided along with marketing, exposure and affordable amenities such as Internet, telephone, office machines, private space, common area and kitchen space.
Our Welcome Center will be open yearround providing accessibility, tourism information, public washrooms and an inviting atmosphere. Along with other Mount Carroll development groups, our Visitor’s Center will have all the resources a guest may need to enjoy their stay.
Hopefully you have had the opportunity to see how far the Kraft Building has come since last year. Our last newsletter left you with anticipation of locating the funding necessary to replace the badly damaged windows throughout the building. All the windows will be replaced at an estimated cost of $75,000. It is the single largest renovation expense we have encountered.
Hard work and dedication from the CDC team has created a connection with the USDA to obtain a much needed Rural Development Grant for $99,000. There’s still plenty of cleanup work to be done and we hope to be open for use by Spring of 2009. If you would like to volunteer or donate, please feel free to call for more information: 815-244-4401
By Spring 2009 we expect to have a number of businesses on the ground floor. These businesses will be part of our incubator concept. A new, small startup business can use the Kraft Building to kickstart their entrepreneurial journey, or an experienced business can take steps to grow. Beginning business basics will be provided along with marketing, exposure and affordable amenities such as Internet, telephone, office machines, private space, common area and kitchen space.
Our Welcome Center will be open yearround providing accessibility, tourism information, public washrooms and an inviting atmosphere. Along with other Mount Carroll development groups, our Visitor’s Center will have all the resources a guest may need to enjoy their stay.
October 2007 Newsletter Kraft Corner
Work at the Kraft Building is progressing steadily but surely. Much has been done to clean up the interior - both upstairs and downstairs. While there is still much work to be done, the changes so far have been significant. Winter preparations are being made to make sure the Kraft Building is insulated against the cold and the roof doesn’t leak. We look forward to opening up a fully renovated Kraft Building as a business incubator. If you would like to volunteer or donate, please see the form at the bottom of this newsletter - or, feel free to call for more information: 815-244-1239
October 2007 Newsletter Land Development
The Property Development Committee has an individual who is funding the completion of an engineering plan, but a developer and investors are still needed to assist. The property being developed is the 25+ acres located from the intersection of Rt. 52/64 and Benton St. heading west.
One of the biggest questions up front is "What do we want the development to look like"? Everything from colors, grassy areas, building sizes and type of construction materials. Especially when driving in from the East going West as you come up the hill and see the Billboard now, what do we want people to see first when entering Mt. Carroll ? What type of business, or building will lead the way into Mt Carroll for the first time curious visitor, or a person that has driven through many times and just was never motivated to stop by. If you would like to help with this project, please call: 815-244-1239
A lot of work has been done and a lot more needs to be done. This is going to be a huge project and we all hope someone will get interested enough to take it over and develop the area.
One of the biggest questions up front is "What do we want the development to look like"? Everything from colors, grassy areas, building sizes and type of construction materials. Especially when driving in from the East going West as you come up the hill and see the Billboard now, what do we want people to see first when entering Mt. Carroll ? What type of business, or building will lead the way into Mt Carroll for the first time curious visitor, or a person that has driven through many times and just was never motivated to stop by. If you would like to help with this project, please call: 815-244-1239
A lot of work has been done and a lot more needs to be done. This is going to be a huge project and we all hope someone will get interested enough to take it over and develop the area.
October 2007 Newsletter Stone House
Built in 1840 by David Emmert, this limestone house is reported to be one of Mount Carroll’s oldest structures. In 1850, an addition was built from bricks fired in a local brickyard. The most unique feature of this home is the natural spring that runs through its bedrock from underground. Routed by way of a trough system that drains outside, the spring once served as an efficient cooling device. Milk, cheese and butter were stored in large crocks which were then placed in the cool spring water to keep from spoiling. The basement also featured a beehive oven and a large fireplace for cooking.
In the 1970’s a partnership was formed to restore the home, but was disbanded in the early 90’s. A private party bought the home with restoration intentions in 2003 and then the front part of the house crumbled. Listed as an endangered site on the Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois Website (http://www.landmarks.org/how_for_sale.htm), it was selected based on criteria used on sites threatened due to neglect, deterioration, lack of maintenance, insufficient funds, inappropriate development or insensitive public policy.
The Mount Carroll Historical Preservation Advisory Committee helped list this property with LPCI since it is considered a significant structure in our Historical District.
With the help of a private donation, the Mount Carroll Community Development Corp. has purchased this property with the anticipation of keeping its integrity in place so this important piece of Mount Carroll history does not get lost. With many ideas in the works as to how best utilize the original limestone, bricks and spring, we welcome new suggestions, input, assistance and donations.
Rather than let another piece of Mount Carroll history die away, please let us know if you can help keep this historic location alive in the memories of those who remember buying slabs of butter in the basement to future generations interested in the rich history behind Mount Carroll and it’s humble beginnings.
Mt Carroll CDC: 815.244.1239
In the 1970’s a partnership was formed to restore the home, but was disbanded in the early 90’s. A private party bought the home with restoration intentions in 2003 and then the front part of the house crumbled. Listed as an endangered site on the Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois Website (http://www.landmarks.org/how_for_sale.htm), it was selected based on criteria used on sites threatened due to neglect, deterioration, lack of maintenance, insufficient funds, inappropriate development or insensitive public policy.
The Mount Carroll Historical Preservation Advisory Committee helped list this property with LPCI since it is considered a significant structure in our Historical District.
With the help of a private donation, the Mount Carroll Community Development Corp. has purchased this property with the anticipation of keeping its integrity in place so this important piece of Mount Carroll history does not get lost. With many ideas in the works as to how best utilize the original limestone, bricks and spring, we welcome new suggestions, input, assistance and donations.
Rather than let another piece of Mount Carroll history die away, please let us know if you can help keep this historic location alive in the memories of those who remember buying slabs of butter in the basement to future generations interested in the rich history behind Mount Carroll and it’s humble beginnings.
Mt Carroll CDC: 815.244.1239
July 2007 Newsletter Kraft Corner
A cornerstone building in our beautiful, red-brick paved, Historic downtown fell victim to lightning in 2005.
By December of 2006 there had been no progress made to renovate the old, burned out Kraft Clothing Store and deterioration was setting in quickly. The CDC made a decision to buy the building to make sure it would not become demolition material. Replacing the windows has became an immediate necessity. Lack of heat through a winter caused cracking to the point of being a public safety concern. Not a cheap venture, the replacement cost of these first floor windows was estimated at a whopping $37,500.00! To date we have received over $18,000.00 in donations by civic organizations and individuals to help renovate the Kraft Building. Our local volunteers providing labor, materials and knowledge are, and continue to be, an invaluable asset. We look forward to opening up a fully renovated Kraft Building as a business incubator. If you would like to volunteer or donate, please see the form at the bottom of this newsletter - or, feel free to call for more information:
815-244-1239
By December of 2006 there had been no progress made to renovate the old, burned out Kraft Clothing Store and deterioration was setting in quickly. The CDC made a decision to buy the building to make sure it would not become demolition material. Replacing the windows has became an immediate necessity. Lack of heat through a winter caused cracking to the point of being a public safety concern. Not a cheap venture, the replacement cost of these first floor windows was estimated at a whopping $37,500.00! To date we have received over $18,000.00 in donations by civic organizations and individuals to help renovate the Kraft Building. Our local volunteers providing labor, materials and knowledge are, and continue to be, an invaluable asset. We look forward to opening up a fully renovated Kraft Building as a business incubator. If you would like to volunteer or donate, please see the form at the bottom of this newsletter - or, feel free to call for more information:
815-244-1239
July 2007 Newsletter Land Development
The Property Development Committee has met with a number of independent developers to try to gain a more detailed understanding of what kind of development would best benefit Mt Carroll, and potential interested parties, and investors.
One of the biggest questions up front is "What do we want the development to look like" Everything from colors, grassy areas, building sizes and type of construction materials. Especially when driving in from the East going West as you come up the hill and see the Billboard now, what do we want people to see first when entering Mt. Carroll ? What type of business, or building will lead the way into Mt Carroll for the first time curious visitor, or a person that has driven through many times and just was never motivated to stop by.
A lot of work has done and a lot more needs to be done. This is going to be a huge project and we all hope someone will get interested enough to take it over and develop the area.
One of the biggest questions up front is "What do we want the development to look like" Everything from colors, grassy areas, building sizes and type of construction materials. Especially when driving in from the East going West as you come up the hill and see the Billboard now, what do we want people to see first when entering Mt. Carroll ? What type of business, or building will lead the way into Mt Carroll for the first time curious visitor, or a person that has driven through many times and just was never motivated to stop by.
A lot of work has done and a lot more needs to be done. This is going to be a huge project and we all hope someone will get interested enough to take it over and develop the area.
July 2007 Newsletter Stone House
Come into Mount Carroll on Route 78 from the North and you’ll see what’s left of the house that was the first built within Mount Carroll City limits. Situated over an old spring, this house has rapidly fallen apart over the years.
On July 3, 2007, the CDC received a gracious donation allowing us to purchase this structure. Unfortunately, the cost to renovate would be an enormous expense. Our initial plans are to enhance the area by maintaining the foundation as well as improve both landscape and architecture, providing a safer and more pleasant area.
On July 3, 2007, the CDC received a gracious donation allowing us to purchase this structure. Unfortunately, the cost to renovate would be an enormous expense. Our initial plans are to enhance the area by maintaining the foundation as well as improve both landscape and architecture, providing a safer and more pleasant area.
July 2007 Newsletter General
The Mount Carroll Community Development Corporation Team would like to welcome you to our first newsletter of many. For those of you who don’t know who we are, this is a brief introduction and for those who are familiar with us, this may serve as an update on our progress as a group.
The Mount Carroll Community Development Group was formed as a non-profit entity and incorporated in 2000. We are comprised of many dedicated volunteers with a common vision for the future of our community: positive growth, progress and a sustainable economy. Our funding comes from donations provided by private citizens, the City of Mount Carroll, the Mount Carroll Chamber of Commerce, Mount Carroll civic organizations and those utilities that service our community.
The CDC has been and continues to be instrumental in much of the progress Mount Carroll is making towards our vision: The CDC was instrumental in bringing the developers of Timber Lake Resort and Campground (TLR) into our area and assisted in extending the Enterprise Zone as an incentive towards escalating their growth.
We have since helped in extending the Enterprise Zone a second time to 3 parcels of land within the city limits. They are the Campbell Center property, Team Products property and the Metform property.
The CDC participated with the City in creating a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District that encompasses most of the southern portion of Mount Carroll and extends north to include the downtown retail district. Without these incentives we would not be able to bring Metform into Mount Carroll.
The City of Mount Carroll and the CDC cooperated in obtaining a Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP) loan for Team Products in the amount of $180,000.00. This enabled that company to expand their physical facility, purchase machinery and hire 5 to 10 additional employees. Because of the incentives available to them, Team Products is anticipating another expansion program in the near future.
The Mount Carroll CDC is broken up into committees to better concentrate on tasks within certain areas that have been identified for completion. We have a Commercial & Residential Committee, a Finance Committee, a Marketing Committee, an Executive and General Board as well as a Land Development Committee. Each one of these committees has been comprised of dedicated volunteers who are committed to making sure the CDC can remain effective and fulfill its duties for the purposes intended.
To find out more about the progress we are helping our community make, please feel free to contact us by phone at 815-244-1239. We always welcome inquiries, volunteers and donations.
We hope you enjoy this newsletter and we look forward to future publications keeping you up to date on our community progress!
The Mount Carroll Community Development Group was formed as a non-profit entity and incorporated in 2000. We are comprised of many dedicated volunteers with a common vision for the future of our community: positive growth, progress and a sustainable economy. Our funding comes from donations provided by private citizens, the City of Mount Carroll, the Mount Carroll Chamber of Commerce, Mount Carroll civic organizations and those utilities that service our community.
The CDC has been and continues to be instrumental in much of the progress Mount Carroll is making towards our vision: The CDC was instrumental in bringing the developers of Timber Lake Resort and Campground (TLR) into our area and assisted in extending the Enterprise Zone as an incentive towards escalating their growth.
We have since helped in extending the Enterprise Zone a second time to 3 parcels of land within the city limits. They are the Campbell Center property, Team Products property and the Metform property.
The CDC participated with the City in creating a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District that encompasses most of the southern portion of Mount Carroll and extends north to include the downtown retail district. Without these incentives we would not be able to bring Metform into Mount Carroll.
The City of Mount Carroll and the CDC cooperated in obtaining a Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP) loan for Team Products in the amount of $180,000.00. This enabled that company to expand their physical facility, purchase machinery and hire 5 to 10 additional employees. Because of the incentives available to them, Team Products is anticipating another expansion program in the near future.
The Mount Carroll CDC is broken up into committees to better concentrate on tasks within certain areas that have been identified for completion. We have a Commercial & Residential Committee, a Finance Committee, a Marketing Committee, an Executive and General Board as well as a Land Development Committee. Each one of these committees has been comprised of dedicated volunteers who are committed to making sure the CDC can remain effective and fulfill its duties for the purposes intended.
To find out more about the progress we are helping our community make, please feel free to contact us by phone at 815-244-1239. We always welcome inquiries, volunteers and donations.
We hope you enjoy this newsletter and we look forward to future publications keeping you up to date on our community progress!
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