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Downtown Development Assistance Programs

Exterior Restoration Assistance Program

The City of Aurora provides grants for the restoration of downtown building exteriors. Our goal is to preserve or rescue our significant architectural heritage from inappropriate “modernizations” and to ensure that the distinctive, original architectural features of our buildings are maintained or reconstructed. We offer architectural assistance up to $4,000 per elevation and 1:1 matching grants for certain construction costs up to $40,000. Eligible projects include repair of wood windows; removal of façade panels or screens; restoration of storefronts and architectural elements; replacement of non-conforming, obsolete, or inappropriate signs; addition of awnings, canopies, or marquees; painting, masonry restoration, etc.

Interior Rehabilitation Program

This program is designed to encourage the location of new enterprises, and the retention or expansion of existing residential, office, and commercial businesses in the downtown Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District. Grant applicants are required to submit a business plan, commit to a five-year minimum occupancy, and meet with Downtown Development Division staff annually to report business activity and status. For applicants who meet these requirements, the City of Aurora offers 1:1 matching grants to downtown residential, office, commercial and/or retail businesses that generate sales or property tax revenue. Eligible projects include plumbing, structural, fire code compliance, electrical, ADA compliance, roofing, sprinkler, and HVAC renovation work. Under this program, grants are made for architectural and construction assistance. The amount of assistance is based on the size of the project.

Assistance Amount by Size of Building

Building Size	Architectural Grant	Interior Grant (1:1 match)
0-15,000 sq. ft.	$4,000	$25,000
15,000-30,000 sq. ft.	$8,000	$50,000
30,000 sq. ft. +	$16,000	$100,000

Other Financial and Technical Assistance

The Downtown Development Division and the Aurora Economic Development Commission work closely to assist businesses who wish to locate to our downtown or expand current operations. We can help you find a site, develop a plan, finance your project, market your product or services, etc.

Contact Information

Questions? We've got answers.

• Karen Christensen, Downtown Development Coordinator - 630-844-3670
• Michael O'Kelley, Aurora Economic Development Commission - 630-897-5500
• Waubonsee Community College Small Business Development Center - 630-906-4143
• City of Aurora (for Spanish) - 630-264-INFO (4636)