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Official website for the City of Aurora, Illinois. Mayor Tom Weisner

The 2007 Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in Downtown Property Improvements

26 E. Downer Place - before 26 E. Downer Place - after 26 E. Downer Place - Interior

26 E. Downer Place - Salvatore and Branka Arenella

The Arenellas have restored the exterior of the building, including the decorative terra cotta. They have completely rehabbed the interior to make space for a retail showroom and examination spaces for Eyeland Optical, Mr. Arenella’s business. In the rehab process, they uncovered the second floor windows of the building, which had been boarded over for many years – and restored them to their original beauty.

37 W. New York Street - before 37 W. New York Street - after 37 W. New York Street - Interior 37 W. New York Street - Interior

37 W. New York Street - Lennie Loberg

Mr. Loberg has undertaken major improvements to the building, including the construction of a two-bedroom residential unit on the second floor and a delicatessen (Lennie’s New York Deli) on the first floor. Lennie’s family, including son Justin, assisted with the interior demolition and complete rehabilitation of the building.

73 S. La Salle Street - before 73 S. La Salle Street - after 73 S. La Salle Street - Interior

73 S. La Salle Street - Heather and Dawson Harvard

The Harvards have repaired and painted the exterior of the building, and they have cleaned and painted the interior of both floors of the building. Mr. Harvard moved the offices of his firm, Benchmark Mortgage Company, to the first floor of the building. The Harvards are seeking commercial tenants for the second floor.