Our Illinois Market

Gorman & Company entered the Illinois market in 2004 with the historic preservation and adaptive reuse of the former Moline High School, transforming it into much-needed affordable housing.

The Moline High School Apartments project was completed in close collaboration with the City of Moline and marked the beginning of Gorman’s integrated, mission-driven approach in Illinois. This initiative brought our comprehensive platform—development, architecture, construction, and property management—across state lines from our corporate office in Oregon, Wisconsin.

Below are a few examples of our Illinois investments, totaling over $149 million. These developments reflect our continued commitment to addressing the affordable and workforce housing needs of communities across the state.

Meet Our Illinois Team
Jane Addams Park Apartments, Rockford, IL

Jane Addams Park Apartments
Total Development Cost: $8,197,328

Jane Addams Park Apartments is a supportive housing development focused on physically and mentally disabled individuals. It is constructed on a park-like site near downtown Rockford. The development is a partnership with the Rockford Housing Authority and includes a 38-unit, state of the art, supportive housing facility focused on physically and mentally disabled individuals.

The remainder of the Jane Addams site includes features such as community garden plots, walking paths, and a playground. Click for Rental Options.

Jane Addams Park Apartments, Rockford, IL

Jane Addams Park Apartments:
Total Development Cost: $8,197,328

The site consists of a variety of buildings, one 16-unit building anchors the corner and houses the common space as well. The remaining 22 units are made up of 7 two or four-unit buildings built in a way to resemble single family homes.

These buildings are designed to fit the historic nature of the neighborhood. Amenities include a community room, reading room, technology room, health care room, consulting offices, exercise room, and storage units. Click for Rental Options.

The Grove at Keith Creek, Rockford, IL

The Grove at Keith Creek
Total Development Cost: $16,051,645

The Grove at Keith Creek consists of new construction of 49 units of family housing on a vacant infill lot in a mixed-use neighborhood on Rockford’s east side. The project is a mixed-income community comprised primarily of replacement housing for the first phase of the redevelopment of Fairgrounds Valley public housing project converted to Project Based Rental Assistance units under HUD’s RAD program. The project includes 19 two-bedroom units and 30 three-bedroom units. These units include a percentage designated as permanent supportive housing for households with physical or mental disabilities at incomes below 30% AMI. Click for Rental Options.

Rockford Embassy Suites “Amerock”, Rockford, IL

Rockford Embassy Suites “Amerock”, Rockford, IL
Total Development Cost: $67,330,763

Embassy Suites Rockford Hotel and Conference center is a project that transformed the dilapidated former Amerock factory into the four-star, 160-room Hilton Embassy Suites and Rockford Conference Center. In addition, to the 13-story historic building renovation, there is 233,000 square feet of retail space. The development is located in the downtown area of Rockford, Illinois.  Click for More Information.

Rockford Embassy Suites “Amerock”, Rockford, IL

Rockford Embassy Suites “Amerock”, Rockford, IL
Total Development Cost: $67,330,763

Demand for the project was influenced by regional demographic and economic characteristics including commuting patterns, neighborhood revitalization, expansion of employers, retail linkage, and the strength of the Rockford Metropolitan area and Illinois economy. The hotel and conference center complex offers multiple restaurants, lounges, a game room, and an indoor pool. The complex also includes a patio lounge on the 12th floor with private meeting rooms and a spectacular city view. Next to the property is an adjacent park that provides space for outdoor events. Click for More Information.

The Illinois Market in Detail

Over the past two decades, within Illinois, Gorman & Company partnerships include new construction and historic preservation properties, developed with public housing authorities, nonprofits, and more.

Contact Gorman & Company

Projects

Units

Million TDC

Projects

Units

Million TDC

Ron Clewer

Illinois Market President

Meet Ron

Ron Clewer brings a bold vision and respected voice to the affordable housing industry, serving as Illinois Market President for Gorman & Company. With over two decades of executive leadership and extensive experience in multi-use real estate development and asset management, Ron is known for his innovative thinking and ability to forge impactful partnerships across sectors.

Before joining Gorman, Ron served as CEO of the Rockford Housing Authority, where he collaborated with Gorman on transformative housing initiatives. His deep understanding of public-private dynamics informs his approach to community development, where he consistently champions solutions that address the social determinants of health through design excellence, integrated services, and intentional environments.

A recognized leader in the Midwest, Ron has been a driving force behind creative, scalable strategies that uplift neighborhoods and expand access to opportunity. He is a frequent contributor to industry conversations around housing policy, equity, and the intersection of health and housing.

Ron holds a degree in Business Administration from Benedictine University and an Executive Leadership certificate earned through a partnership between the University of Michigan and the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities.

Matt Burback
Development Project Manager

Matt specializes in underwriting Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) projects and managing them to successful closings. He oversees development activities, secures entitlements, and collaborates with stakeholders to ensure financial viability and project progress. With prior experience at CBRE and an affordable multifamily development firm, Matt holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Economics from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

Duane Buscher
Senior Financial Analyst

Duane, Senior Financial Analyst, focuses on underwriting LIHTC projects. He works with Market Presidents & Construction Accounting at all stages of development to evaluate feasibility and conduct proforma analysis.

He previously worked as an Underwriter for the Missouri Housing Development Commission. He holds a BA in Psychology and a master’s in Urban Planning from the University of Kansas.

Rachel Snethen
Director of Development Operations

Rachel oversees development & marketing along with the EB-5 Regional Center. She provides training, mentorship, quality assurance, and best practice implementation. She manages efforts between funding partners through closing, construction, and stabilization.

Rachel has an MBA & B.S. in Management & Business from Franklin University and Associate Degree in Real Estate from Madison College.