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Aurora Celebrates 2012 Mayor's Awards For Historic Preservation

The Aurora Preservation Commission recently honored excellence in historic preservation at the 2012 Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in Historic Preservation.

Mayor Tom Weisner and the commission recognized property owners who have completed significant improvements and restorations to their historic homes. In order to qualify, properties needed to be at least 50 years old or designated as historic by the City of Aurora.

At the ceremony, Mayor Weisner honored nine properties including 437 Oak Ave., the “Holbrook Mill” at 121 W. Benton St., 349 West Park Ave., the “William Tanner House Museum” at 304 Oak Ave., the “Colby Mansion” at 536 W. Downer Place, 212 N. Locust St., 318 N. View St., 329 West Park Ave. and 449 Palace St.

One notable award recipient was the 437 Oak Ave. home, which was arguably one of the most comprehensive restorations in the 14 years since the Tanner Historic District was designated. The project included a complete roof tear off and the installation of new sheathing and shingles done in the roof’s original green color. The vinyl siding was removed and missing decorative elements such as brackets, fascia and window trim were replicated and/or restored. The home’s non-original enclosed front porch was returned to its original open state with framed lattice reinstalled beneath the porch.  The home received a new period appropriate historic paint scheme.

Another exemplary project took place at 329 West Park Ave. A new historically sensitive paint job gave this house a “shot in the arm,” transforming this former all-white, non-descript house into a Victorian stunner. Other aspects of the project included a new roof that coordinates perfectly with the new paint scheme and reconversion of the house from two living units back to original single-family use. 

The award ceremony was held May 4 at the David L. Pierce Art and History Center in conjunction with the opening of the architecture exhibit entitled “From the Ground Up: A History of Architecture in Aurora” in honor of the City’s 175^th anniversary. The exhibit is open from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday through Aug. 18 at the Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Place.

Location: David L. Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Place, Aurora, Illinois