Bywater Development Group

We are proud to announce, alongside our outstanding development partners Simmons Development Group and Beacon-SOCAYR inc, the successful financial closing of the Garfield School redevelopment in Decatur, IL!

This transformative effort will include the full historic rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of the former Garfield Elementary School building, along with a new construction addition. Upon completion, the development will deliver 63 high-quality, energy-efficient, accessible, and affordable apartment homes for seniors aged 55 and older. Construction is set to begin immediately.

Our team extends sincere gratitude to an exceptional group of financial partners whose collaboration made this milestone possible, including the Illinois Housing Development Authority, City of Decatur Illinois, Decatur Housing Authority, Boston Financial, Sterling Bank, Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust, Sugar Creek Capital, and Hope of the Midwest. We are grateful for their partnership and shared commitment to this effort.

This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication and expertise of a remarkable development team, led by WJW Architects (architect), Baba Architects (co-architect), Altman Charter Company (general contractor), Harambee Construction (co-general contractor), TWM, Inc. (civil/survey), SCI Engineering, Inc. (environmental), Applegate & Thorne-Thomsen, P.C. (developer counsel), Vice Cox & Townsend PLLC (GP partner's local counsel), First American (title/disbursing), and many more. Thank you to this outstanding team for your commitment and collaboration.

Finally, we would like to recognize the leadership and staff of the City of Decatur Illinois for their steadfast support. Their commitment to community revitalization has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. It is an honor to partner with the City in advancing this important initiative and supporting continued reinvestment in this area of the community! Stay tuned for more details and progress updates!

Excellent progress continues on the University Crossing development!

Great work by an outstanding development team including Altman Charter Company (GC), WJW Architects (Architect), and TWM, Inc. (Civil Engineer). Also, our ongoing thanks to our co-developer partner Employment Connection Saint Louis.

All involved are highly commited to making this transit-oriented, mixed-use, mixed-income development at the North Hanley Metro Transit Center in North St. Louis County a success. More updates on progress coming soon!

📷 by Sal Martinez (Great shots!)