The 2007 Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in Historic Preservation
212 N. Chestnut - Jill Jenkins, Michael Johnson, Brian McGee
These homeowners have truly transformed this property. The sophisticated Greek Revival home we see in the after photograph had three layers of artificial siding, vinyl siding, non-original wood siding, and asphalt shingles removed to reveal all these charming details. The original siding was restored and painted in a historic color scheme. Previously this home had been a two unit. The homeowners reconverted this home back to single family making huge upgrades to the interior.
433 Grant Pl. - Jessica and Francisco Rodriguez
Jessica and Francisco have made tremendous improvements to their home. They removed non-original fiber cement shingles from their home to reveal this elegant Queen Anne style home. Celebrating these newly discovered details the home was painted in vibrant color scheme to call out the many details found in this very special home. These homeowners have taken on many other projects, installing a new roof, and updating much of the interior. They also plan to continue their exterior restoration efforts by restoring the front and side porches.
508 Garfield Ave. - Richard and Carol Schreul
What a difference a porch makes! In the before pictures you see two very utilitarian porches. The after pictures reveal a potential that many would not have anticipated! The new porch constructed by Vincent and Sons restores the details and makes a once utilitarian porch look spectacular! Homeowners Richard and Carol Schreul recently returned this home to single-family use as well. The home had previously been a multi-family property. The interior was updated with a brand new kitchen and bathrooms and the hardwood floors were restored. Not only is Mr. Schreul a great steward of his home he is a great steward of Aurora’s history, serving as a past president of the Aurora Historical Society and using his photographic skills to document Aurora’s history.
213 N. View St. - Danette and William Deligiannis
Danette and Bill celebrated the details of their Queen Anne style home by selecting a lively color scheme to call out the many details. The Deligiannis have also restored their original front porch.
443 N. View St. - Rueben Rodriguez
This home has seen huge improvements! The non-original siding was removed, and it was discovered that the original siding had previously been removed. The homeowner installed new wood siding to match what would have been original to the home. The foundation was repaired. A period door was installed, non-original awnings removed, and new front windows were installed to replicate the historic window fenestration that had been altered over the years.
1310 Garfield Ave. - Roderick and Michele Kelly
This very elegant west side limestone home has found its soul mate in homeowners Roderick and Michele Kelly. They have lovingly installed a beautiful professionally designed landscape plan. Updated many of the interior mechanical systems and installed a new roof. Their updates have complemented the home’s original style and make the beautiful leaded glass windows, copper gutters, wrought iron details, and stonework a sight to be seen.
215 Grand Ave. - Maria Velasquez
Mrs. Velasquez has made numerous improvements to her charming bungalow home! The non-original siding was removed, the original siding was restored, original windows were restored, a new storm door, and a new front door were installed. These improvements have truly transformed her home.
149 S. La Salle St. - Verneeda Woolsely
With most of our recipients we focus on exterior improvements, but in this case it is important to focus on the interior improvements that have been made. This home was once a boarding house, and the homeowner converted it back to a single family home. Reconversions make a huge impact in Aurora’s older neighborhoods. Exterior improvements were also made here too; the home received a fresh coat of paint highlighting the details of this Queen Anne style home.
111 LeGrande - Jesse and Michelle Rodriguez
Again what a difference a front porch makes! The front porch had been severely altered over time. This restoration restores the original grandeur to this home. The Rodriguez’s have taken on numerous other home improvement projects in the eight years they have lived in their home. They have rebuilt their garage, refinished hardwood floors, remodeled kitchen, and they are in the middle of bathroom remodel!
West Aurora High School Building Trades Class
Throughout the 2006/ 2007 school year the building trades class at West Aurora High School taught by Mr. Stephen Freitag has partnered with the Aurora Preservation Commission on the restoration of a property located in the Tanner Historic District. The class has been able to put their skills to work doing drywall projects, building a side porch, and do countless other projects. They have shown great enthusiasm and skill with all of their projects. I hope they have enjoyed this experience!
It is the hope of the Aurora Preservation Commission that this program will continue to grow over the coming years. This program fosters neighborhood pride, increases the appreciation students have for historically significant buildings, and it provides great hands on work experience for students interested in pursuing careers in the trades.
Kicking off Aurora's 2007 National Preservation Month activities was the 28th Annual Mayor’s Awards celebration for excellence in historic preservation, held on May 15th at the historic Paramount Arts Centre in downtown Aurora. We would like to extend our thanks to Geofrey Baer who highlighted the event by sharing behind the scenes photos and stories about filming in Aurora for his television documentary on the history of the Fox River Valley.
This year, nine property owners along with the students and instructor from the West Aurora High School Building Trades class, were recognized for the excellent restoration work that they completed in Aurora. The nine preservation restoration award projects and the West Aurora class are shown in the interactive slideshow above.