Downtown Aurora is the location where the old Holbrook Mill sat sadly for nearly 50 years desperately in need of some major TLC. Purportedly built before 1850, the stone building was a testimony to the city’s rugged industrial past.

After being bought by museum curator David Lewis, however, the mill experienced a radical rejuvenation. Following the stone-by-stone removal of the building’s two-story limestone façade, the foundation was replaced and the stones were reset. Approval was obtained from the Aurora Historic Preservation Commission to retain the mill’s status as a historic landmark.

Lewis is not the only developer to rescue a neglected property in Aurora’s downtown district. Recently, the city’s experienced a wave of developers who have transformed distressed property into commercial space, eclectic loft apartments or condos – and for good reason.

Aurora awards $300,000 in grant money annually to commercial and property owners for downtown projects in order to encourage the restoration of the struggling area. It appears the city’s investment might be working. Just last month, 11 restored properties were highlighted on a Living Downtown tour hosted by city officials. The intent was to promote awareness of Aurora’s history, draw attention to recent renovations and attract new residents to the area.

One of the challenges the city has faced is real estate owners not updating downtown property. It seems that renovation comes with new owners.

Originally, everything a citizen would need was obtained in a city’s downtown center. Urban sprawl, however, had a profound effect on the disintegration of the city’s core. Aurora officials are intent on changing that.

The ultimate goal? To transform Aurora’s outdated downtown into a vibrant residential and cultural arena.