Berkshire–Johnsburg

Johnsburg, IL

General Capital purchased the former James Bush Elementary School in the heart of the Village of Johnsburg to develop a new Berkshire-brand independent senior community with 78 apartments. General Capital worked closely with the Village to extend sewer and water to the property, leveraging a tremendous community benefit through a developer-funded TIF. The original school was carefully renovated to include apartments in the former classrooms, community space in the former cafeteria and a community gym, which is open to residents and community groups. The project design required careful coordination between the original Mid-century design of the school and a traditional stick-frame residential style desired by the Village. As a result of several meetings with neighbors and Village stakeholders, the project blends seamlessly into the fabric of the historic Village Center. The site’s design includes walking paths, numerous outdoor amenities and an extensive natural storm water treatment system that includes bio-swales and rain gardens. The grounds are beautiful and enjoyed year-round by residents and neighbors alike.