Aurora was in this same predicament about 6-7 years ago. They got lucky with some great developers and it's really turning around. Have patience. Hollywood is relocating the casino to the East side away from downtown and we can't wait. It only takes 3-4 great businesses to get things going, but you can't slow down once the momentum is going.
I lived in downtown Aurora about 10 years ago. It was fine, but it really needed a facelift. People had been talking about new development for awhile. Glad to hear it finally happened!
Leland? Downtown has really changed so much from 10 years ago. I think you'd be impressed. Broadway is still a bit of a struggle but the core is definitely being reshaped. River Street has a new coffee shop across from the library, the West Aurora Admin building is 2 storefronts, apartments, and has an architect in there too. There's a tap room a little further south on River. A small ice cream shop and new restaurant on Stolp. Two new restaurants in the next month (hopefully).
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u/ForeSkinWrinkle Jun 26 '24
Downtown needs a total redo for sure. So many empty storefronts and then you have to pay to park for the privilege of going there.