The Village of Downs, Ill. is just about the perfect location. Early pioneers made their way to Downs thanks to the abundant natural resources. Today, the location . . . between U.S. Highway 150 and Interstate 74 . . . continues to interest newcomers. The village website explains it this way: “. . . the town’s charms — rural peacefulness, small-town neighborliness, wooded park and quality education – still draw people to this area.”

Mark Bowers was drawn in as well. He saw a location that people wanted to live in, but couldn’t find enough housing. So when he got the opportunity to buy farmland and transform it into a quiet subdivision, he took it.

Of course, buying land and creating an infrastructure for housing isn’t a cheap proposition. Mark needed to work with a financial institution. We’re happy to say he chose INB.

INB Commercial Loan Officer Steve Keenan, NMLS# 762808, works with Mark. Steve describes Mark as a success in every sense of the word. “He’s a former teacher. An all-around great guy. While INB doesn’t typically provide loans to subdivision developers, we were confident taking on this risk would pay off in the long run because Mark was behind it.” Steve goes on to explain that construction began in the first section of Beecher Trails subdivision in late spring 2015. This spring, the second phase will be open to builders since the first phase is moving so rapidly.

“Mark is quite the success story,” says Steve. “I’m happy he decided to take part in our short video about his relationship with INB.”