Clinton, IA – Economic Growth Corporation (GROWTH) is pleased to announce that its Wilson Lofts redevelopment project has received the Adaptive Reuse/Mixed-Use Award from Preservation Iowa. Preservation Iowa, a local organization dedicated to preserving historic resources to enhance the state’s economic and cultural future, honored Wilson Lofts at its annual Preserve Iowa Summit in early June. This award recognizes projects that convert historic structures for new or compatible uses while maintaining their architectural integrity. GROWTH was among the eight distinguished awardees acknowledged. RDG Planning & Design nominated Wilson Lofts for the Preservation Award and served as the project’s architect, overseeing the historic preservation aspects during pre-development and construction phases.
Brian Hollenback, President/CEO of GROWTH, expressed his excitement and gratitude for the recognition: “The Wilson Lofts is a major redevelopment milestone for GROWTH and is the result of a collaborative planning effort spanning nearly 10 years that required hard work, determination, resilience, and coordination by many partners. We’ve been extremely fortunate to have built a strong team of partners that believed and trusted in each other and believed and trusted GROWTH to get it done.” He continued, “Working with a strong development team and collaborating closely with our architect, RDG Planning and Design, ensured that we remained true to our mission by preserving the most prized elements of the Wilson Lofts and highlighting them throughout the development. With GROWTH’s strong track record of historic preservation and adapting mixed-use developments to their highest and best use, we are very proud to stand together on this effort with them.”
Wilson Lofts offers a total of 33 units, including 26 available at market rate and 7 designated for workforce housing, catering specifically to individuals earning 80% of the Area Median Income. With a range of floor plans to suit diverse lifestyles, from townhome-style residences to spacious lofts and one- and two-bedroom apartments, Wilson Lofts seamlessly blends historic with contemporary amenities. Monthly rents for residential units vary from $750 to $1,100. Residents are greeted by lofty ceilings, ample windows, and breathtaking panoramic views, inviting them to fully immerse themselves in the vibrant urban experience.
The Wilson Lofts redevelopment represents a total investment exceeding $15.6 million. This was achieved despite challenges such as a global pandemic, rising construction costs, increasing interest rates, and supply chain shortages. This monumental achievement is only possible through the steadfast support and unwavering belief of the following:
Development Team:
• Economic Growth Corporation
• Applegate & Thorne-Thomsen, P.C.
• Bush Construction
• RDG Planning & Design
• Home Base Property Management, LLC
Funding Partners:
• American Bank & Trust
• BankORION
• Bridge Investment Community Development Corporation
• City of Clinton
• Clinton County Development Authority
• Clocktower Tax Credits LLC
• Downtown Clinton Alliance
• Enhanced Capital
• Five Points Community Capital
• Grow Clinton
• IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union (IHMVCU)
• Iowa Economic Development Authority
• Urban Action Community Development (Cross Street Partners)
• U.S. Bank
The development plan was further enhanced with an additional nearly $1 million investment, creating the community’s first business incubators, Clinton Culinary and Makers on 5th, providing opportunities to help small businesses start, open, and grow, and supporting the Wilson Lofts redevelopment effort. This bold decision underscores GROWTH’s commitment to nurturing a dynamic and diverse community while maximizing the potential of the Wilson Lofts redevelopment.
Brian Hollenback, who oversaw the Wilson Lofts from concept in late 2013 to its completion in 2023, acknowledged the significant contributions of the GROWTH team and the development partners. Key GROWTH team members involved in the project included Cindy Berg, CFO; Andrew Fisher, Construction Director; Carey Jorgensen, Director of Property Management; and Beth Payne, Senior Vice President.
The Wilson Lofts Development Team consisted of:
• Economic Growth Corporation, developer
• Applegate & Thorne-Thomsen, legal
• RDG Planning & Design, architect
• Bush Construction, general contractor
• Home Base Property Management, LLC, property manager
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Wilson Lofts are products of the economic boom and advancements in building that permanently influenced the field of commercial architecture. With a period of significance from 1913-1917, they relate to Community and Regional Planning in Clinton, as a product of the enormous success of the George E. Wilson Jr. Community and Clinton Bridge Works with regards to real estate development and construction in the community. When constructed, it was the first “tall” building and “first modern office building in Clinton” and remains the tallest to this day.
The buildings were also home to national chains J.C. Penney’s and Walgreens Drug for nearly 50 years. The long-term presence of these two tenants drastically affected the commercial and shopping trends of the community and central business district during the 20th century. The Wilson Buildings are exceptional examples of the Chicago Commercial Style by locally revered architects, Jon Morrell & Son. The National Register of Historic Places Multiple Property Documentation Form, prepared by Molly Myers Naumann in 1997, stated that the team was “very important to the development of Clinton from 1903 to 1917.” In the book, “Iowa’s Historic Architects,” architectural historian Wesley Shanks stated that the Wilson Building was the “firm’s most significant work.”
Contextually, the Wilson Buildings relate to the development of commercial architecture in the first quarter of the 20th century, just prior to World War I, in Clinton’s central business district. The Wilson Buildings consist of four buildings in total, with the first main building constructed in 1913, and multiple other buildings connected to the original 1913 building in 1916, with alterations in 1937, 1941, 1952, and 1959. The historic corridors constructed in 1913 remained virtually unchanged and remain a highlight within the redevelopment.
The restoration of the Wilson Buildings posed significant challenges due to structural deterioration and funding complexities, exacerbated by unforeseen obstacles like a global pandemic and supply chain shortages. Despite these hurdles, the project team’s dedication propelled the restoration forward, implementing strategic solutions to meet challenges. Notable solutions included designing a unit mix to preserve historic elements and enhance safety, such as maintaining existing door openings and adding a second stair for egress. The restoration also created loft mezzanine units, diversifying housing options in downtown Clinton. RDG’s design harmonizes historic preservation with modern sustainability, seamlessly integrating historical elements with modern amenities. This $15.6 million initiative has transformed the once-unoccupied Wilson Buildings into a vibrant mixed-use development, preserving their early 20th-century charm while meeting contemporary needs.
RDG’s ultimate design harmonizes historic preservation with modern sustainability by maintaining crucial historical elements such as the historic façade and original corridors. During construction, the project integrated additional historical elements discovered on-site, such as the original JCPenney sign and antique “Wilson Building” chifferobes. These elements were seamlessly incorporated alongside modern amenities and sustainable design features.
The project created 171 temporary jobs during construction and 5 new jobs through the business incubators in 2024 to date. Additionally, it resulted in 33 filled apartments, adding residents and critical mass to downtown. The ground floor was activated with entrepreneurship and startups, creating opportunities for businesses to start, open, and grow. GROWTH has welcomed two new businesses in its incubators: Soi 5 Thai and GEOME + ph.yla Store, and will continue adding new businesses through its incubator opportunity.
The successful transformation of the historic Wilson Building underscores GROWTH’s commitment to preserving architectural heritage while fostering economic revitalization. The project stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring impact of adaptive reuse in community development.
For more information about Economic Growth Corporation and the Wilson Lofts redevelopment, please visit www.Wilson-Lofts.com or www.EconomicGrowthCorporation.com.
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