Affordable Housing Archives - Bush Construction

Two Towers Housing

Posted on December 8, 2025

We were proud to partner with the Greater Metropolitan Area Housing Authority of Rock Island County (GMAHA) on a transformative renovation of four residential buildings: two high-rise towers and two duplexes serving hundreds of community members in Silvis and East Moline, Illinois through the HUD RAD program.

As both the development and construction partner, Bush Construction supported HUD financing, multi-agency coordination, and comprehensive planning to ensure compliance and protect critical funding at every stage.

What makes this project truly unique? Every building was fully occupied.

Our team completed renovations floor-by-floor, working hand-in-hand with GMAHA and building representatives to minimize disruption and maintain a safe, comfortable environment for residents.

Clear communication, careful planning, and respect for the people who call these buildings home are driving every step of the process. This complex, multi-agency project was ahead of schedule and under budget, even as we navigated structural surprises, resident-driven design adjustments, and alignment across HUD, LIHTC, and IDA requirements. The result: upgraded accessibility, enhanced safety, and improved comfort for every resident.

239 units | 9 buildings | 4 properties | 2 cities

Warren Place (Duplexes)

A full refresh focused on safety, durability, and comfort:

Foundation wall repairs
New siding, masonry pointing, exterior paint, and windows
Upgraded roofing system with architectural shingles, vented soffits, fascia wraps, gutters, and downspouts
Fully updated kitchens and bathrooms with new cabinets, countertops, appliances, fixtures, and accessories
New luxury vinyl wood plank flooring and freshly painted drywall

Warren Heights (Duplexes)

Modern upgrades that enhance curb appeal and interior living spaces:

New siding, masonry pointing, exterior paint, and windows
Updated kitchens and bathrooms with new cabinets, countertops, appliances, fixtures, and accessories

Warren Tower

13-story high-rise serving residents across multiple accessibility needs

Stormwater management improvements at retaining walls
Seal coating, striping, and asphalt repairs throughout parking areas
Addition of new Accessible and Sensory Impaired units
Fully updated kitchens, bathrooms, and enhanced security with new camera systems
New luxury vinyl wood plank flooring and painted drywall throughout

Streed Tower

9-story tower receiving a complete interior upgrade

New kitchens, bathrooms, and a new trash compactor for improved convenience
Addition of new Accessible and Sensory Impaired units
New luxury vinyl wood plank flooring and painted drywall

Wilson Lofts

Posted on May 12, 2023

The historic Wilson Building originally built in 1914 has been redeveloped into a mixed-use development with 33 residential rental units and approximately 5,025 square feet of first-floor commercial space facing 5^th Avenue South in downtown Clinton IA.

The $11.45 million historic adaptive-reuse, mixed-use development will preserve and transform the Wilson Building into loft units and one and two-bedroom rental units ranging in size from 483 to 1,224 square feet. The remodel included structural repair to the exterior brick & terracotta. On the interior, all utilities were demolished and replaced. Apartments were shaped using as many original walls as possible, even keeping the original corridor doors where present. Windows were replaced with new, historically accurate units. We worked closely with the design team and the State Historic Preservation Office in order to keep the remodel as historically accurate as possible.

Lawrence Lofts

Posted on February 5, 2019

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.

Jackson Square Apartments

Posted on February 5, 2019

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 the building’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.