Gillerson’s Grubbery opened to much excitement this year. Photo by Wally Kilburg/Studio 46 West
This year was full of change and exciting happenings. It started with some major announcements and ends with a few success stories. Enjoy our look back on an eventful year in downtown Aurora.
2015
January: Two-way street conversion on Lake and River Streets announced; to be completed by year’s end.
February: Ballroom at North Island Center opens for private events. James Jenkins’ Deus Ex Machina wins the public art commission by the new Santori Public Library.
March: All Spoked Up opens at 14 W. Downer Pl.
April: Aurora Green Drinks starts meeting at Ballydoyle. Bike the Fox with a group of cool cats every Saturday.
May: A mural saved from the old West High gets new life at The DLP.
June: New library opens in downtown. A Pop-Up Shop coincides with First Fridays. Jason Isbell performs at Two Brothers Summer Festival.
July: AKA Dance and Metropolitan Coworking open in the historic Metropolitan Business College building at 14 W. Downer Pl. The Bazaar on Water Street Mall is a hit. Chef Amaury at 33 West ends a popular run in Aurora.
August: Wednesdays at the Plaza brings free concerts to Stolp Avenue.
September: Arts-A-Palooza is a day of fun and learning in downtown. Food trucks joined the First Fridays lineup on Downer Place.
October: Paramount Theater wins Jeff Awards. Gillerson’s Grubbery opens. Blue Bird Beat passes inspection just in time for Halloween trick or treating.
November: Day of the Dead takes over Benton Street. A local technology company announces a move to the old library at 1 E. Benton St.
December: SciTech Hands On Museum opens an out-of-this-world space exhibit on the lower level.
What will 2016 bring? The two-way streets along with a friendly bike path can appeal to both pedestrians and businesses. A thriving theater and art scene continues to build the downtown Aurora brand, and more residential spaces will drive additional retail and services. Success stories from the Gravity Building and Leland Tower help downtown shine, and growing companies such as The Yetee and VARA Design bring a vibrant dynamic to downtown.
