The
DOWNTOWN Dozen 2007. I have been with Special Events since October of 1998.
kinbil Eva Luc
l
Name: Gina Moga Age: 50 City: Aurora Years at job: 11 years Q: What is your job title and role? A: Manager, Special Events, city of Aurora. Responsible for overseeing the planning and staging of Blues on the Fox, Downtown Alive, Memorial Day, 4th of July and Veterans Day Parades, Farmer’s Markets, 4th of July Fireworks and evening activities, Phillips Park Fall Fest and Holiday Magic. Our office is the city liaison to the African American Heritage Advisory Board and the Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board and we assist with their events. We also assist community groups in taking their events through the Government Operations process. In addition, we coordinate the Gifts to the Servicemen and the Miss Merry Christmas Jack Frost activities. Neighborhood Festival Funding Grants are also coordinated through Special Events. When needed, we assist with the staging of building dedications, street openings, inaugural receptions and press conferences. Q: When did you take on your current role? A: I became interim manager in 2005 and named to the position in March
Q: What is the best part of your job? A: Definitely seeing people enjoying themselves at the festivals and parades. It’s what we strive for in the lengthy planning process. In the end it all comes down to pleasing your audience. Q: What are some of your accomplishments in regards to Downtown Aurora? A: It’s definitely Downtown Alive. I was hired by then Mayor Stover to come up with something that would bring people back into the downtown<I guess it worked! Q: Where do you lunch in downtown Aurora? A: Lately, I’m so busy that I eat at my desk, but when I do go out it’s usually River’s Edge Café or Tecalitlan. As it gets nicer out, I’ll venture over to Ballydoyle and Comfort Zone more often and I’m very excited about Billy Goat Tavern opening soon.
bookmobile and two library vans. Q: When did you take on your current role (and why/how, if pertinent)? A: I was hired to head the Extension Services Department of the Library (overseeing the Bookmobile and services to senior residences primarily) in 1997. When both the director and the assistant director retired at the end of 1998, the search for a new director began and I accepted the position in 1999. Q: What is the best part of your job? A: The best part of my job is knowing that what I do makes a difference everyday in people’s lives. Although my main responsibilities are now administrative and less direct contact with our patrons, my career has evolved from that of a part-time frontline clerk through many different levels of responsibility. Over the course of my professional career I have received feedback such as the lady who wrote a note to me three months after I
Name: Eva Luckinbill City: Montgomery Years at job: worked in public library field for 30 years, 13 years with Aurora Public Library Q: What is your job title and role? A: I am the Director of the City of Aurora Public Libraries and as such am responsible to the citizens of the city and the Library Board of Directors for the overall delivery of efficient and effective library services. There are 175 library employees across the city, three public facilities, a support building, a Gina Moga Downtown Auroran
Summer 2010
Q: What are some of your accomplishments in regards to downtown Aurora? A: During my tenure as director, I started the quarterly library newsletter delivered to each household in the city. That information vehicle increased awareness of all that the library offers to residents by virtue of their property taxes. There was an immediate increase in usage levels at all our locations as a result of that effort and the downtown library was no exception. We now average more than 30,000 visitors to the downtown library each month. A grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation was secured which provided a computer lab for the main library and a way to offer free computer classes to citizens. We continue to offer free classes in the basics and some of the popular applications. We consistently strive to stay abreast of the emerging technologies to offer the taxpayers access to them. The addition to our Summer 2010
staff of a Spanish Language Services librarian has fostered a higher percentage of users from the Latino community primarily in the downtown facility. In response to the economic downturn we are all going through, we recently set up a special job and career services area in the Main Library, which assists users with Internet job searches, on-line applications, resume writing and interviewing practice. Any appropriate additional support information such as health care, food, or shelter assistance is also available here. These specialized materials and information resources have assisted many in navigating through unfamiliar territory. Most recently – I shepherded the administration through the process of purchasing the former Beacon News building with the intent of erecting a new modern library that reflects the status of Aurora as the second largest city in the state and will at last be able to provide informational, educational and cultural resources to its very deserving citizens. We were determined to keep the “central”
Under the Tracks by Angela Spiteri
assisted her with some information on her newly diagnosed medical condition and the expensive medications she needed. Because of that information she was able to reduce her health care costs significantly and find additional support in the community. She just wanted to thank me. More recently, I received a letter from someone who was without work long enough to have his utilities cut off and his personal life deteriorate. He was very appreciative of the assistance received in our new Job and Career Center. Not only was he able to search for and secure a new job, but he could communicate via e-mail with family, and with his library card he had access to various other program and material services that he used to provide fun and educational entertainment for his children during visitation times when he had very little financial resources. When I get feedback like that – all the routine stresses of my position are forgotten.
Downtown Auroran
library in the downtown area to support its growth and stability. Q: Where do you lunch in downtown Aurora? A: Since I live just three miles from my home, I often go home for lunch. But River’s Edge Café, Jimmy John’s, and New China Hut #3 are frequent alternatives. When I need to have a celebratory or working lunch with staff or colleagues, Ballydoyle or Las Quinta de los Reyes come to mind. Q: Describe downtown Aurora in 1-3 sentences. A: Aurora is a medium sized city whose citizens have not come to grips with that reality. The downtown area, with its diversity in architecture, rich history, accessible transportation and potential for enriching cultural destinations is on the brink of a renaissance – if we all dare to take the necessary steps to do so. Q: If you could solve up to 3 issues in downtown Aurora, what would they be (and why)? A: It is difficult to say what needs to happen first – but I believe a simultaneous increase in modern residential units along with the services that will make those residential units attractive to those who prefer an urban lifestyle, could resolve many of the perceived issues. Certainly the poor image Aurora had in 1997 has been greatly improved over the decade, but if all downtown property owners would take steps to improve the exterior face they present to the world, more people would take a bit of extra time to investigate the wonderful services and wares already available inside. And somewhat self serving – I will say I believe that the new downtown library being planned for River and Benton Streets will serve as a catalyst, along with the new WCC campus to attract that kind of activity. I often wish that services such as dry cleaning, shoe repair, a greeting card
shop, etc. were within walking distance of my office! Q: If you could solve up to 3 issues in downtown Aurora, what would they be (and why)? A: I think everyone is aware that we need more parking. I would also love to see the streets throughout the area striped for bicycles.
Name: Rena Church Age: 51 City: Aurora Years at job: 14 Q: What is your job title and role? A: Director/Curator, Aurora Public Art Commission and Grand Army of the Republic Post 20 Museum Q: When did you take on your current role (and why/how, if pertinent)? A: 1996 Q: What is the best part of your job? A: My job is ever changing— new exhibits, new sculptures, new developments for the GAR, new visitors, as well as our valued “regulars” and every semester, a wonderful group of students in the ARTWorks program.
Name: Karen Fullett-Christensen Age: 59 City: Aurora Years at job: 10 plus (hired 12/99) – 10 years as Downtown Development Director, 3 months as Neighborhood Redevelopment Division Manager Q: What is your job title and role? A: I manage the city of Aurora’s Neighborhood Redevelopment Division. The division has five staff people, including me. We administer federal funds that flow to the city of Aurora through the Community Development Block Grant Program, the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block grant program, the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing program, and the Home Investment Partnership program. We are also responsible for the Reconversion Incentive Program, funded with local dollars.
Rena C hurch
Q: What are some of your accomplishments in regards to downtown Aurora? A: We have hosted more than 100 exhibits, commissioned five sculptures, and developed the APAC Sculpture Garden. In addition, our ARTWorks instructors and students really use the area for outdoor classes in drawing, Q: When did you take on design, television production, and public your current role (and why/ history/historic preservation. In past years, how, if pertinent)? APAC has offered a wide variety of nonA: I was transferred to credit art classes and workshops for children Neighborhood n ristense h C and adults. We have also sponsored five art Redevelopment on October 1, n e Kar fairs and, last year, an eight-foot snow 2009 as part of the city’s sculpture of Abraham Lincoln for the reorganization plan, when the bicentennial celebration. We bring three to Downtown Development four hundred people here for each of our openings, which Division was eliminated. In January 2010, I became the feature great art, live music and wonderful food. division manager. Q: Where do you lunch in downtown Aurora? A: Comfort Zone BBQ or River’s Edge Cafe. Q: Describe downtown Aurora in 1-3 sentences. A: Aurora has a rich history—I am always learning new and interesting things from people who have lived here for many years.
Q: What is the best part of your job? A: Without a doubt, the best part of my job is working with terrific staff - competent and highly committed professionals – a great bunch of women! We have a lot of responsibility – trying to make sure that the city gets the biggest bang for federal bucks. We all feel fortunate to be in a situation where we can have a very positive impact on our community.
Downtown Auroran
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Q: What are some of your accomplishments in regards to downtown Aurora? A: I feel as if I can list many accomplishments, but not without giving credit to the downtown property owners (Aurora Downtown), city staff in a variety of departments, elected officials, and citizen volunteers on the Design Review Committee and the Riverwalk Commission. All put in many hours, collaborating to make things happen. In the ten years during which I was director of the Downtown Development Division, we saw big projects like the Waubonsee campus, Ballydoyle Irish Pub, and the lower Riverwalk between Galena and Downer unfold – but we also saw a significant amount of private investment by property owners who rehabbed the interiors and exteriors of their buildings. Q: Where do you lunch in downtown Aurora? A: Tecalitlan, River’s Edge Café, and Comfort Zone BBQ are my favorite lunch spots. As soon as I walk into any of those restaurants, the staff knows right away what I want to order. I feel very pampered. Q: Describe downtown Aurora in 1-3 sentences. A: Downtown Aurora is a really interesting mix of Big City and Small Town. Every person and every building has a story. This is a great place to be a poet (and an urban planner).
Q: If you could solve up to 3 issues in downtown Aurora, what would they be (and why)? A: First issue – parking. I would make off-street parking free and enforce the he** out of on-street parking to ensure turnover. Second issue – cooperation among businesses. After all these years, I’m still puzzled about why many downtown businesses don’t see the benefit of working together on advertising, marketing, and event-planning to bring more people downtown. And, back to the parking problem, I’ll never understand why downtown business owners and their employees take prime, on-street parking places away from potential customers. Third issue – we all should be doing everything possible to foster the arts downtown. This is absolutely personal. I hope to make Aurora my home for many more years – and I don’t want to leave town for my cultural “fix.” I’m happy to see the ArtWalk continuing. I think the ArtWorks program is phenomenal, and I wish it were bigger. I love the Downtown Auroran. I adore the Riverfront Playhouse, the Copley Theatre, the Paramount, the GAR, the Art and History Center, the Fire Museum, etc. I’ve met so many incredible people as a consequence of these things. As Oliver Twist said, “Please, sir, can I have more?”
Downtown Parking by Amanda Snyder
Summer 2010
Downtown Auroran
facilities. The city of Madison has a strong biking system that separates vehicular traffic and increases bike safety, which in turn encourages better utilization. I would also extend the Fox River Trail through the downtown, and link it to the Virgil Gilman trail to promote more recreational users to stop and visit the downtown. Name: Charlie Zine Age: 52 going on 30 City: Aurora Years at job: 1
ngers Jan Ma
Name: Jan Mangers City: Aurora Years at job: 23
Q: What is your job title and role? A: Managing Partner for the Kona Café, which will open this year in the River Street Plaza Development.
Cha rlie Zin e
Q: What is your job title and role? A: Director, Aurora Preservation Commission Q: When did you take on your current role (and why/how, if pertinent)? A: 1991 Q: What is the best part of your job? A: Working with homeowners to restore their historic properties. Q: What are some of your accomplishments in regards to downtown Aurora? A: Obtained grants to restore the Memory sculptures and the GAR stained glass windows. Q: Where do you lunch in downtown Aurora? A: River’s Edge Café, Tecalitlan, Comfort Zone BBQ and Ballydoyle Q: Describe downtown Aurora in 1-3 sentences. A: Downtown Aurora has the most unique architecture in the City. Nationally renowned architects such as Rapp & Rapp, Zimmerman Saxe & Zimmerman, and George Grant Elmslie designed buildings here. It was during the 1920s when businesses sought excellence in design as a symbol to portray Aurora as a quality, progressive community. Q: If you could solve up to 3 issues in downtown Aurora, what would they be (and why)? A: I would promote biking in the downtown as a means of transportation and to reduce the need for additional parking
Q: When did you take on your current role (and why/how, if pertinent)? A: I met Joe Vantreese about three years ago when he was getting the initial approvals for River Street Plaza (RSP). My initial interest was in his plans for the portion of the Riverwalk he will be building. Our discussions led to an invitation to join him in to make RSP and Kona Café integral parts of the “new” downtown. Q: What is the best part of your job? A: Aside from spending a week in Kona Hawaii, meeting coffee farmers? Having an opportunity to build a good business, and in turn, building a better downtown Aurora has been exciting and motivating. Q: What are some of your accomplishments in regards to downtown Aurora? A: I am a member of the Aurora RiverWalk Commission and the RiverEdge Park Committee. I nominated the Holbrook Mill (Davis Lewis’ stunning rehab project and home) for Landmark Status in 1990. I am currently Chairman of RSVP, a citizens group that helped create the Fox RiverShore Vision Plan and originated the idea of a RiverEdge Park near downtown. I was a member of the Citizens to Save the Aurora Hotel, now an equally stunning restoration. I was president of the Aurora Historical Society when we opened the Downtown David L. Pierce Art and History Center. I co-founded the Blues on the Fox Festival. Most importantly (to me), I am working to create an International Whitewater Park in downtown Aurora and a Water Trail from North Aurora to Yorkville. Q: Where do you lunch in downtown Aurora? A: Rivers Edge Café, China Hut #3, Jimmy Johns, Ballydoyle, Tecalitlan, and Taqueria Muniz (technically at Prairie and Lake St).
Downtown Auroran
Summer 2010
Q: If you could solve up to 3 issues in downtown Aurora, what would they be (and why)? A: 1. Add additional downtown parking decks, but NOT on the riverbanks which is our most valuable real estate and needs to be preserved for “highest and best” uses that will come to define our downtown. 2. Re-design the canoe chute (and re-name it!) so it acts as a portal to downtown for recreational paddlers. Our downtown is a highly desirable place to paddle because it has great architecture and good places to eat and drink by the river, both of which are rare finds in Illinois urban areas. 3. Continue to close the gaps in the Fox River Trail through our downtown. Recreation and fun are vital to vibrant urban areas. Bikes and kayaks, land and water trails will bring users and an element of fun and healthy lifestyles to our downtown making it a destination that has it all, and thus appealing to new home buyers and businesses and customers. Name: David Lewis Age: 43 City: Aurora Years at job: off-andon nearly twenty
ewis David L
Q: What is your job title and role? A: I am curator of the Aurora Regional Fire Museum. Typically museum curator’s are charged with the care and handling of the museum’s collection of artifacts. Because we are a smaller museum, I also design our educational programming, develop the museum’s exhibits, perform scholarly research, and handle much of the promotions and marketing for the museum.
Summer 2010
Nido Threads by Lisa Lentz Manning
Q: Describe downtown Aurora in 1-3 sentences. A: Downtown Aurora’s best days are ahead and not behind. It has been a slow but thorough process to update the infrastructure, the buildings, public amenities (RiverEdge Park, the Riverwalk, the new canoe and kayak landing to be built this summer at Waubonsee, the sidewalk planters), and its image, to name a few key items. In addition, the zoning has been modified, new residential developments have been planned and built, and these in turn will bring new restaurants, bars, coffeehouses, and other desired businesses. In short, the city, the businesses and the citizens have created a desirable place to “Live, Work, and Play” and we will probably be one of the first cities to emerge from this recession we are in, and downtown Aurora will lead the way.
Q: When did you take on your current role (and why/how, if pertinent)? A: As a kid, I wanted to be a fireman when I grew up. The fact that I had numerous medical problems that would prevent this never entered my mind nor dampened my dream. Countless firefighters, whom I met in my younger years, fanned this childhood dream into a full-fledged “obsession.” Now, forty years later, it has become a life-long avocation. I progressed from a kid who played with fire truck toys, to a collector, and now to a historian and curator who gets to “play” with fire trucks -- for a living. Q: What is the best part of your job? A: I play with antique fire engines for a living -- what’s better than that?! I am passionate about firefighters, about history, historic preservation, and downtown Aurora, and I love the fact that I get to share those passions with others. I love seeing a child’s eyes light up as they see the first of a room full of shiny red fire engines, or as they gaze in wonderment up our 50-foot tall hose drying tower. I also love the satisfaction that comes when life-long Auroran’s visit the museum and comment, (with a touch of surprise in their voice), “Wow, I drive past here every day, I didn’t know it was like THIS inside!” Q: What are some of your accomplishments in regards to downtown Aurora? A: Debby (Davis) and I share a great deal of satisfaction in helping to manage the successful preservation and restoration/ reconstruction of Aurora’s old Central Fire Station. Built in 1894, it was described by the local press as “the pride of any
Downtown Auroran
city.” Modified extensively throughout the twentieth century, closed in 1980, and nearly sold and demolished, the Aurora’s old Central Fire Station has been fully restored to it’s original splendor -- so that it is once again “a building which is the pride of any city!” We would like to think that the Aurora Regional Fire Museum has contributed -- along with the other cultural institutions such as the Aurora Historical Society, the Paramount Arts Center, and SciTech, to the renewed vibrancy in Aurora’s downtown.
Q: When did you take on your current role (and why/how, if pertinent)? A: I started May of 2005. Q: What is the best part of your job? A: Moving the downtown in a positive direction. Q: What are some of your accomplishments in regards to downtown Aurora? A: Completing development agreements with Shodeen, the Elks Club, Ballydoyle, and restaurant row. Q: Where do you lunch in downtown Aurora? A: Everywhere!
Dave
Q: Describe downtown Aurora in 1-3 sentences. A: A place with a future. The downtown has what I like to call good bones. That means it has infrastructure from public transportation Metra and Pace, bridges and bike paths, assets like Waubonsee, Sci-Tech, the Paramount Theater, restaurants and the Hollywood Casino.
Dorga n
s Hite Dan
Q: Where do you lunch in downtown Aurora? A: I am proud to say I both live and work in downtown Aurora, so typically I eat at home. Q: If you could solve up to 3 issues in downtown Aurora, what would they be (and why)? A: In general I believe Aurora is trying to rebrand itself -- as a destination for art and culture. The plethora of local museums (four in downtown), three performing arts venues, and recent events such as the Aurora ArtWalk and last year’s Living Downtown Tour are all helping to change perceptions and attract new development projects downtown. Ideally, a new “art-and-culture” infused downtown would be home for artists, and performers -- individuals who are actively involved in making a difference in their communities. More people living, working and visiting downtown ultimately creates demand for new retail and service-oriented commerce downtown. Name: David Dorgan Age: 56 City: Elgin Q: What is your job title and role? A: Development Consultant, I bring development to Aurora’s downtown.
Q: If you could solve up to 3 issues in downtown Aurora, what would they be (and why)? A: Parking, People, and Perception -- and not necessarily in that order. We need to have more people living in the downtown, thus the need for more investments like River Street Plaza, Shodeen, Dan Hites and Steve Arwady. Parking because even if enough does exists the perception is that it doesn’t and I believe this will soon be solved. Also the meters don’t help. There are many ways to manage parking. Perception that downtown is bad a selfinflicted wound Aurorans put on themselves. They need take a good look at their downtown then embrace it and make it their own. Name: Daniel G. Hites Age: 52 City: Naperville, formerly of Aurora Years at job: Self –employed 25 years Q: What is your job title and role? A: The best title would probably be a re-animator as opposed to a renovator or real estate developer. I view what I do as a personal effort to re-animate or rejuvenate a neighborhood through not only economic investments, but also through investing time and organization skills into addressing the surrounding community problems and directing resources into areas that spark life into a downtown; such as arts, entertainment, and small businesses.
Downtown Auroran
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Q: What is the best part of your job? A: Helping and seeing the development of a beautiful city. Q: What are some of your accomplishments in regards to downtown Aurora? A: Renovated close to 30,000 square-feet of commercial space into high-end housing and retail. Brought in new businesses and people into the core. Helped promote a developing arts community. Fought for the small business and property owners. Q: Where do you lunch in downtown? A: Riverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Edge CafĂŠ Q: Describe downtown Aurora in 1-3 sentences. A: Waxing poetic, I would say that downtown is reminiscent of an all but abandoned garden of a grand old estate; tended by uninformed caretakers. There are beautiful, grand oak trees (buildings) with deep roots. An awareness of beauty past and a rich soil in which it can be regrown. But the caretakers (local institutions) apply the wrong fertilizers, plant the wrong flora, allow the weeds to grow rampart, or abuse it for their own needs, meanwhile allowing others to throw their trash in it.
subsidy to over-priced labor. 3. City government- there are too many issues to tackle in a brief paragraph, but some to consider are the favoritism of the city to large investors and WCC at a distinct disadvantage to the small businesses, onerous codes and killing bureaucracy and policies that put the downtown at a great disadvantage to other neighborhoods and cities. Name: Steven Arwady Age: 54 City: Arlington Heights Years at job: 18 years Q: What is your job title and role? A: I am the managing member of three real estate development LLCs and President of D C A Financial Group, Ltd Q: What is the best part of your job? A: Being able to bring a vision to life. Q: What are some of your accomplishments in regards to downtown Aurora? A: Restaurant Row on New York Street and the future redevelopment of the Elks Club.
Q. If you could solve up to three issues in downtown, what Q: Where do you lunch in downtown Aurora? would they be (and A: Everywhere. why)? 1. Waubonsee Q: Describe downtown Aurora in 1-3 sentences. Community CollegeA: An area with great potential for development. I would They have used the categorize downtown Aurora as a diamond in the rough. streets of downtown as a free personal Q: If you could solve up to 3 issues parking lot for their in downtown Aurora, what would students, strangling they be (and why)? all other businesses A: Parking and the negative rwady Steve A in the area. In perception outsiders and even some addition, their over local Aurorans have about the emphasis of English downtown area. It is a great city as a Second Language and remedial education with the potential to be one of the programming has caused the largest nicest destinations in the western demographic of downtown to be poverty level suburbs and very few realize it. But students. During sessions there are over 7,000 when they do we are going to need trips per week downtown by students who do more parking. Debbie Davis not spend money there and have little other places to park than in front of struggling Name: Deborah Davis businesses. City: Aurora 2. Unions- in conjunction with the city have Years at job: 11 incorporated building codes and ordinances that drive up the cost of maintaining and/or renovating buildings, demanded Q: What is your job title and role? and received inordinate wages and benefits driving higher A: Executive Director, Aurora Regional Fire Museum. As with costs, and have almost turned TIF funding into a direct all non-profits the first priority is service, as it relates to the Summer 2010
Downtown Auroran
organization’s mission statement. An executive director is
meeting or for a public or private function. We feel our
tasked with the responsibility to execute that mission within
marketing and public relations efforts within the downtown
a budget dictated by the contributions made by
community have and do service our purpose.
constituents. So that’s the formal description, but in everyday reality, I’m on the front line at the museum. I’m the greeter,
Q: Where do you lunch in downtown Aurora?
tour guide, goodwill ambassador for out-of-town visitors,
A: Jake’s Bagels is my routine favorite for lunch, and where I
administrator, long-rang planner, fundraiser, accountant,
turn to order a tray of bagels when a continental breakfast
human resource director, volunteer program manager,
meeting is scheduled in the museum’s Hayloft Theater. We
purchasing agent, gift shop sales clerk (and stock clerk)
frequently patronize
emergency plumber (and back-up floor-mopper),
the Roundhouse and
assistant exhibit technician, rental agent, official
Ballydoyle when
calendar keeper, and chief coffee-maker. Bottom line, if
special guests come to
there’s a job or a task to be completed for the
visit the museum or for
organization, I do it or recruit a volunteer.
a business lunch.
Q: When did you take on your current role (and why/
Name: Joe Vantreese
how, if pertinent)?
City: Batavia
A: A common personal question is “Do you have a family member in the fire service?” The answer is no. I
Joe Va ntrees
e
Q: What is your job title
was drawn to the organization because there was a
and role?
need, and I fell in love with the purpose. I’m not brave,
A: Founder and Chief
and in my wildest dreams I couldn’t imagine becoming
Executive - The
a firefighter, but I can use my skills and abilities to help tell
Vanstrand Group, Inc. He is responsible for all phases of the
their story.
development process and directly oversees all functional areas of the Company, including acquisition, design,
Q: What is the best part of your job?
construction and marketing of each project.
A: As is true in any job, there are tedious parts we don’t enjoy. Then, almost as if a prayer was answered, a family will
Q: When did you take on your current role (and why/how, if
arrive at the museum for a visit. Welcoming guests to the
pertinent)?
museum is such a joy. Young and old, everyone loves red fire
A: Announced plans for River Street Plaza in June 2005.
engines. Watching a small child who has just a few months earlier learned to walk and speak in single words, run using
Q: What are some of your accomplishments in regards to
those short little legs, squealing “fire truck, fire truck”; “go,
downtown Aurora?
go” and making high pitch sounds like a siren racing through
A: River Street Plaza – the major revitalization project (at $97
the streets; that brings so much joy to my heart; and makes
million) initially included four new four-story brick and
working at a fire museum so much fun. One of our staff
limestone buildings along both sides of South River Street
mottos is “everything we do here is fun,” - and it’s true!
south of Benton Street. The plaza was to house more than two-dozen restaurants and 180 one- and two-bedroom
Q: What are some of your accomplishments in regards to
condos. Two buildings on the east side of River Street were
downtown Aurora?
actually built.
A: I’m proud to say I was a member of the team that worked through the four-year process to renovate and restore the 1894 old Central Fire Station to transform it into the historic gem in downtown Aurora. We are pleased when we hear that our museum was recommended as a site to visit, hold a
Summer 2010
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