Adaptive Reuse

The upper stories of the historic Lawrence Building in downtown Sterling, Illinois, stood vacant for more than 50 years before being revitalized into much-needed affordable housing through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. Bush Construction partnered with the Economic Growth Corporation and local stakeholders to renovate the 22,000 square feet spanning the second through fifth floors of the 1910 office building, creating 20 high-quality residential units now known as the Lawrence Lofts.

The adaptive reuse project preserved the building’s historic character while modernizing long-unused spaces for safe, efficient residential living. Interior systems were upgraded to meet current building and energy codes, and unit layouts were thoughtfully designed to maximize existing floor plans while providing comfortable, functional homes for residents. The first floor of the building remains under the ownership and use of the Whiteside County Courthouse Extension Office, maintaining the building’s role as a civic anchor in the community.

Located in the heart of downtown Sterling, the Lawrence Lofts play a key role in the City’s broader revitalization strategy focused on reinvesting in underutilized historic buildings. Through coordinated collaboration with the Economic Growth Corporation, this LIHTC development supports long-term affordability, strengthens the downtown housing supply, and contributes to renewed economic activity—bringing life back to a long-vacant landmark while serving residents and the surrounding community.

The 90-year-old, 50,000-square-foot renovation and addition to the Jackson Square Apartments transformed a former industrial manufacturing facility into modern, character-rich residential living. This project marked Bush Construction’s first entry into the multi-family residential market and was delivered in close collaboration with the architect and the Economic Growth Corporation to balance redevelopment goals, budget constraints, and long-term community impact.

The historic structure required extensive asbestos abatement and remediation of regulated materials throughout the building and surrounding storage areas. Wherever possible, original structural elements were preserved to maintain Jackson Square’s industrial character, including exposed brick walls and wood floor framing. The westernmost portion of the building—listed on Rock Island’s historic register—was restored through careful cleaning and tuck-pointing of terra cotta tile and brick, with special approvals obtained for historically sensitive window replacements.

Through coordinated efforts with economic development partners, what was once an urban brownfield has been revitalized into a vibrant center for family living and neighborhood commerce.