“What do we need to be a successful downtown?” Or “What’s awesome about Aurora”
Coffee shop? Check. Bookstore? Check. A handful of museums? Check. Add in a dozen restaurants, art galleries, public spaces, and world class entertainment, and you have downtown Aurora. So, why do people still look at downtown Aurora as a failing downtown?
It could be the vacant storefronts; it could be the homeless people; it could be the reputation; or it could be the lack of a Starbucks or a Gap. But what is it really? Could it be the one-way streets and the metered parking? It’s easy to speculate, but it’s hard to pinpoint an answer.
When it comes to the success of downtown Aurora, there are a lot of hypothetical questions. The good thing is that there are many people who are more focused on solutions. I’ve gotten to know several of these folks through downtown events, or just hanging out in downtown.
In the fall/winter issue of Downtown Auroran magazine, we feature 12 individuals who help to make downtown a great place. In spite of parking meters, vacant storefronts, and few shopping opportunities, these folks are working hard to not just improve the image of downtown Aurora, but to change it for the better.
You’ll have to pick up an issue of the magazine to read about all of the folks who make up the new downtown dozen, but one to note is Jimi Allen. Allen started working on LaSalle Street in downtown Aurora when he started his own production company in 2002. Over the last 10 years, Allen has assisted in turning around the face of LaSalle Street, and he’s not finished.
Just last year, Allen purchased the Coats Garage building at 56 S. LaSalle St. He will use much of the space for his own projects, but will open up a considerable amount of the 50,000 square foot building to other creative types who are looking to rent out workspace for their needs.
When asked what Allen would change about downtown Aurora, he answered, “I don’t think I want to change Aurora; I think I want more people to enjoy it. I imagine a good community that can survive and build off of each other. Aurora is fascinating. There are a lot of things to feed your soul. There is so much diversity, and so many people to enjoy.”
It could be that when spectators are trying to figure out what is wrong with downtown Aurora, they might instead try focusing on what is right.
Learn more about Allen’s project at www.56lasalle.com. Visit www.downtownauroran.wordpress.com to view the latest issue, or to stay in tune with the downtown arts and culture scene.
