Pearl Place Apartments, Belvidere

2025 Landmarks Illinois Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Award for Preservation

Gorman & Company led the recent, large-scale restoration of an important affordable housing community in Belvidere, the Pearl Place Apartments. The development first opened in 1997 under a different owner at the repurposed historic Garfield School, built in 1893. The original adaptive reuse preserved the building’s historic character while giving it a new purpose. It also prevented the architecturally significant school, which blends Classical Revival, Prairie School and Art Deco styles, from demolition and led to its listing in the National Register of Historic Places. In 2023, Gorman & Company acquired Pearl Place when the property was at the end of its compliance period through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program. By taking ownership, Gorman successfully ensured the development remained as much-needed affordable housing instead of being converted to market-rate apartments. Pearl Place is now home to 56 renovated units for residents 55 and older who earn 60 percent of the area’s median income. Gorman’s $11.2 million restoration has not only led to the thoughtful preservation of a prominent landmark in Belvidere but also ensured local seniors will have access to quality, affordable housing for many years to come.

(Photo credit: Ron Clewer)

Additional Information

Belvidere has long struggled with a shortage of affordable housing, compounded by a lack of market-rate rental options. This shortage has been especially challenging for veterans seeking housing near their families and supportive services. The complex also has supportive services available through the Boone County Housing Authority and the Veterans Administration. Funding sources for the project included IHDA Resubordinated Trust Fund ($532,386), IHDA Resubordinated HOME ($1,180,793), IHDA Subordinate Trust Fund ($3,611,658), Refund of Operating Reserves ($170,730), Deferred Developer Fee ($430,162), LIHTC Equity ($2,737,940) and Federal Historic Equity ($1,252,922).

(Photo credit: Ron Clewer)

Project Principals

• Gorman & Company, Owner
• Gorman & Company Architectural
• Gorman General Contractors
• Gorman & Company Property Management

(Photo credit: Ron Clewer)

Why is this place important to you?

Ron Clewer, Market President, Gorman & Company

High schools hold a special place in our lives, and the former Belvidere High School and Washington High School annex, now Pearl Place, is no exception. Their importance lies not only in their remarkable architecture, but in the enduring stories they carry, stories of a small, near-rural community; stories of generations educated and finding their way within their walls; and now, stories of seniors whose lives have been stabilized through affordable housing.

Unlike many schools of their time, these two weren’t forgotten or lost; they found new life and purpose. Built in 1893 and expanded in 1916 and 1939, the campus reflects a unique blend of Classical Revival, Prairie School and Art Deco architecture. These buildings once educated students who went on to become public servants, professional athletes, musicians, war heroes and even Miss America. Judith Anne Ford Nash, Miss America 1969 and presidential appointee; Joseph Charboneau, Major League Baseball Rookie of the Year; and Ronald A. Wait, former Illinois State Representative and lifelong Belvidere resident, are just a few of the remarkable individuals who walked these halls. But perhaps what is most inspiring today are the stories of those who currently call Pearl Place home. Seniors, some of whom were at risk of homelessness, now live in comfort and dignity, with their own stories continuing within these beautifully restored walls.

This place matters because it honors history while meeting today’s dire needs for affordable housing. It reminds us that our stories don’t end with age or change. They continue to unfold, stronger and more meaningful, when we invest in places that matter.

How did saving this place impact people in your community?

Ron Clewer, Market President, Gorman & Company

Saving Pearl Place protects a vital piece of Belvidere’s architectural and cultural history while addressing one of the community’s most urgent needs: affordable, accessible housing for older adults and Veterans. It has become a place of safety, dignity and community, an achievement that bridges past and present while building a stronger, more dignified future.

Beyond housing, the renovation reenergized a community anchor. The updated amenities, especially the remodeled community room, have become a focal point for connection and socialization. Here, residents gather for coffee and conversation, building bonds that reduce isolation and promote mental well-being. These relationships are especially meaningful for seniors, many of whom live alone or are far from family. The location of Pearl Place enhances residents’ quality of life, as well. With a public transportation stop directly in front of the building, residents can easily reach medical appointments, stores and other essential services. The nearby YMCA offers senior-focused wellness programming, while the adjacent community center hosts regular events that keep residents actively involved in local life.

Of special importance is that the development allows seniors to stay connected to their hometown and remain part of the fabric of the Belvidere community. The impact also extends beyond those who live in its former classrooms. For lifelong Belvidere resident and former State Representative Ron Waite, the preservation of Pearl School, where he was once a student, teacher and coach, was a deeply personal mission. His advocacy helped ensure that the building’s legacy would continue in a meaningful way. The reuse of space honors the school’s historic significance and continues to serve the community, just as it did for over a century. The project also drew praise from U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, who attended the grand opening and recognized the urgent need for Veteran housing in Boone County. As a Veteran herself, her support underscored the importance of developments like Pearl Place in meeting the needs of those who have served our country.

(Historic photos courtesy Belvidere Historic Society.)