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Introduction Even as northeastern Illinois experiences dramatic growth and change, Aurora retains its urban identity and pride, rooted in nearly 150 years of history. Our population is quickly approaching 160,000 residents, making us Illinois' second-largest community and ranking us among the fastest growing cities in the United States. Aurora encompasses nearly 39 square miles of land in Kane, DuPage, Kendall and Will Counties. Recent census data reflects Aurora's diverse demographics, with a median age of 29.3 and a population that includes 68% white, 11% black and 33% Hispanic residents. Housing is 70% owner-occupied. For the population age 25 years and older, 75.6% are high school graduates, with 29.9% holding a bachelor's or advanced degree.
Suburbanites are rediscovering urban downtowns in their quest for quick access to commuter rail service, unique and interesting architectural spaces, and neighborhood-based entertainment opportunities. Downtown Aurora is well-positioned for the development of market-rate housing in a walkable/bikeable/transit-oriented setting, with the potential for live/work loft conversions as well as upper-end residential units mixed with retail and commercial spaces. The Aurora Downtown neighborhood covers 28+ blocks and is strategically located, with Illinois Routes 25 and 31 running north and south through the neighborhood and linking to the entire Fox Valley region. Access to I-88 is less than four miles from the heart of downtown Aurora, providing a direct route to the Chicago Loop and regional expressways. Commuter rail service is available via the Burlington Northern Metra line, with a station located within comfortable walking distance of the downtown core. Our neighborhood is home to a wide range of businesses and services: banking, retail, dining, entertainment, museums and cultural venues, professional offices, education and social services, plus nearly 500 residential units. The heart of downtown Aurora, and of the city itself, is the Fox River. The river bisects our neighborhood and can be viewed not only from eight historically significant bridges, but also from the FoxWalk, an inviting pathway bordered with landscaping, benches, fountains and vantage points overlooking two major dams between New York Street and Galena Boulevard. The Fox River Trail system is easily reached from downtown Aurora. It provides a scenic, natural respite for bicyclists and hikers in the midst of a highly-urbanized neighborhood. Much of downtown Aurora was constructed on Stolp Island, which was listed in 1986 as a district on the National Register of Historic Places. The island is home to over 20 significant historic structures, including buildings featuring outstanding examples of terra cotta cladding and decorative architectural elements. In 1989, La Salle Street between Downer Place and Benton was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the La Salle Street Auto Row Historic District.
In addition to TIF district money, gaming tax revenue, Community Development Block Grant funds, and Home Rule Sales Tax all have been used to leverage private-sector investment. Loans to qualified developers are also available through local, state, and federal initiatives. The commitment of public funds to streetscape and infrastructure improvements in downtown Aurora is on-going. Interest in historic building interior rehabilitations and façade restorations continues to grow. In the time period from 2000 through 2005, over 500 projects received Design Review approval for exterior work. Over 60 building owners took advantage of financial incentives from the City of Aurora to renovate property, accommodating new businesses and residents. The value of commercial building permits issued in the Downtown Core (DC) and Downtown Fringe (DF) zoning districts from 2000 through 2005 exceeds $51 million. Clearly, old buildings are finding new lives and creative re-uses.
Aurora Downtown does its work through active committees, open to any business or property owner wishing to help improve the neighborhood. The Aurora Downtown partnership includes the Aurora Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Aurora Civic Center Authority, the Aurora Economic Development Commission, the Greater Aurora Chamber of Commerce, the Aurora Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the City of Aurora, Hollywood Casino-Aurora, and Waubonsee Community College.
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