28 of 28 G.A.R. Memorial 23 E. Downer Place Aurora, IL Building Style: Gothic Revival Date Built: 1877 Important Features: Look at the heavy limestone walls and the pointed arch windows. The most noticeable feature of the G.A.R. is the memorial statue located on top of the building. Architect: Joseph Mulvey History: G.A.R. stands for the Grand Army of the Republic, the name of the Union army that fought for the Northern states during the Civil War. The G.A.R. was built to remember those who lost their lives in the Civil War.