Multi-Family Housing Archives - Page 2 of 2

Will Hall and Law Building

Posted on May 2, 2023

In the spirit of historic preservation and adaptive reuse, Bush Construction completed the renovation of the Will Hall and Law Building in downtown Aledo, Illinois. The project transformed the building into three commercial storefronts on the main level, with short-term rental (Airbnb) units on the second floor, breathing new life into a key downtown structure.

At the same time, Bush Construction also completed the historic renovation of the Carnegie Library in Aledo, originally built in 1915–16. The landmark library served generations of community members before closing in 2019 and was carefully restored to honor its legacy while supporting new uses.

As part of the broader downtown revitalization effort, the storefronts of the Perryton Law Building were restored to reflect a more historically accurate appearance. Bush’s design team prioritized preservation details while developing plans for commercial space on the first floor and tenant space on the second floor.

This project required completion within a strict timeline. Through detailed planning, strong communication, and close coordination with trusted trade partners, Bush Construction successfully delivered the renovation on an aggressive schedule—supporting both historic integrity and economic reinvestment in downtown Aledo.

The Hobbs Building

Posted on March 27, 2023

Hobbs Building Apartments | Aurora, Illinois

Originally constructed in 1892, the historic Hobbs Building is a four-story landmark in downtown Aurora. Bush Construction completed a comprehensive restoration of the building, transforming the upper floors into 15 market-rate apartment units while preserving the architectural character that defines this iconic structure. The first floor was left as a finished “white envelope,” allowing flexibility for future tenant build-out.

Two adjacent buildings were also renovated as part of the project, adding 16 additional apartment units on the second and third floors. Similar to the Hobbs Building, the first floors of these structures were completed as white-envelope spaces, providing adaptable commercial opportunities at the street level.

Restoration of a Local Landmark

A defining feature of the Hobbs Building is its distinctive onion dome, a well-known element of the Aurora skyline. Removed years earlier due to structural limitations, the dome was fully reconstructed by Bush Construction using fiberglass to replicate the original wood design. Structural steel reinforcement was installed at the roof and floor levels to safely support the new dome, ensuring long-term durability while restoring a beloved architectural feature.

Throughout the restoration, Bush prioritized preserving original details wherever possible. Historic windows were carefully restored by hand, beadboard ceilings were reinstalled to match original conditions, and architectural elements were thoughtfully maintained to reflect the building’s historic layout and character.

Overcoming Complex Structural Challenges

The project presented unique structural and coordination challenges, particularly related to the installation of new structural steel required to support the reconstructed dome. When local resources were limited, Bush leveraged regional partnerships and worked closely with engineers, fabricators, steel erectors, and the City to resolve unforeseen conditions. Through transparent communication, detailed coordination, and problem-solving expertise, the team successfully delivered a restored building that honors its history while meeting modern standards.

Hershey Lofts

Posted on June 16, 2021

The Hershey building was built in 1908 in Muscatine, Iowa, and was home to Hershey State Bank. In 2018, Bush Development purchased the property and renovated the five-story building into 25 market-rate apartments and commercial/retail space.

Residential amenities include:

Full-size fitness center
On-floor storage
Kitchen with stainless steel appliances
In-unit laundry
Business lounge

If you are interested in living at the Hershey Lofts, click here.

Home to Local Businesses

Anchored by Sycamore Printing, the building also offers 15,000 square feet of commercial/retail space on the first floor and lower level of the building. Click here to learn about available commercial leasing opportunities.

Humility of Mary Homes & Services

Posted on November 18, 2020

Humility of Mary Homes and Services operates a day and night shelter for adults who face an urgent housing need. Bush Construction was selected to renovate the building’s entryway. We installed an enclosed front desk area with security windows and separated the donation drop off area from the day room. In addition, we installed new flooring, doors, hardware, casework, and painted the walls.

Pershing Lofts

Posted on February 5, 2019

Pershing Hill Lofts is a 62 unit, 100,000 SF project that converted old 6-story Crescent Electric Company and 3-story Sieg Iron Company buildings into trendy loft apartments. The lofts consist of a combination of one-bedroom, one-bath; two-bedroom, one-bath; two-bedroom, two-bath; three-bedroom, two-bath apartments, and studio apartments with one-bath. Four of the lofts meet ADA requirements.

Due to the historic nature of these buildings, strict requirements were set by the State and Federal Government that we were required to adhere to in order for the owners to receive the tax incentives necessary to make this project possible, financially. Many of the original historical features of the building were kept in their original form or restored.

It’s an honor to breathe new life into buildings that have been a part of our community for so many years.

Village Cooperative

Posted on February 5, 2019

Village Cooperative of Crow Creek is a 120,000 SF, sixty-one unit senior living facility Bush Construction built for Real Estate Equities. The project consisted of an underground parking garage, constructed of CMU block and hollow-core precast planks. The upper four floors have wood wall framing and wood trusses. The wood walls are ‘panelized,’ which means they are assembled in a factory/warehouse and arrive to the site in 8’ to 12’ sections. Panelizing walls shortens building erection time in the field, reduces the overall construction schedule, and saves money.

The living units are individually purchased and owned by residents, who are near or at retirement age. There are many perks to these facilities, including underground/covered parking, secure facilities, fitness center, elevator accessibility, club/commons area for events, patios/balconies, and maintenance by Real Estate Equities. Living units had several upgrade options to allow flexibility and personalization.

The project also included extensive exterior work, including sodding, irrigation, garden plots, retaining walls, pergola, concrete walks/driveways/parking lot, trees, and plantings.

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.