Posted October 12, 20159 yr The population of Aurora, Ill., is about 200,000, making it now the second largest city in Illinois. In 1990 it was 100,000; in 1950 it was 50,000. The new growth is suburban. The 1950 core is decidedly urban. It's an old railroad town -- former home of what is now Burlington Northern -- with a manufacturing heritage as well. It's had its ups and downs and crime problems, but is seeing a bit of downtown resurgence, which started in 1993 with the opening of a Hollywood Casino on an island in the Fox River. I was there about 35 years ago for a job interview and didn't have the knowledge to appreciate the architecture and streetscapes. I've seen pictures on UO in recent years and resolved to check it out. A couple months ago, my wife an I were in Chicago and while she attended some family events, I was free to ride trains, look at buildings, and take pictures. Here is the result: Aurora Transportation Center -- old train station and Chicago, Burlington & Quincy roundhouse, terminus of an RTA Metra line The roundhouse, now a restaurant affiliated with Two Brothers Brewing Broadway at New York Street Interesting bunch of buildings at Broadway and Galena Another angle 1923 American National Bank building designed by vaunted Prairie School architect George Elmslie Galena Blvd. looking NW -- the skyscraper is on an island in the Fox River Paramount Theater and the former Leland Hotel, on the island, across from the casino Paramount Another angle Stolp Avenue, on the island. The 1927 Leland Hotel, on the right, once the state's tallest building outside Chicago Stolp again Cross from the island to the other side of the Fox River Casino parking on the island Looking back toward downtown, in the shadow of the Leland Zooming in on Galena Blvd. toward downtown; casino on the left Addition to the Old Second Bank building, another Elmslie design Elmslie's main building -- one of five he did in Aurora The Leland and environs from the Waubonsee Community College grounds Crossing back to Stolp Island on Downer Place Closeup Neighbors along the river Another view Behind the previous buildings River view City Hall, along the river Alley turned into marketplace, east bank of the river New-build, up he hill from downtown LaSalle Street, from Downer Galena Blvd., above the river Looking down Galena toward the river Another view I was hungry and thirsty, so I ate and drank at Ballydoyle, across from the casino Bridge ornamentation The river, and a walkway from the parking garage to the casino, so gamblers don't have to interact with locals and spend money in local establishments Leland and friends, again Bridge ornamentation, and a hospital in the distance
October 12, 20159 yr Did a bike trip with a friend from Aurora to Elgin, that whole fox river valley area is very pretty (I've also learned its shockingly conservative compared to deeper into Chicagoland though more moderate than SW Ohio). My favorite pre-war Satellite town of Chicago - largeish town at the periphery of Chicagoland as opposed to commuter towns like the ones on the north shore, would probably be Elgin. Its really turned around in the last few years too and has the strongest downtown (though Kenosha probably comes in a close second). Aurora's architecture is really great, and as I haven't been there in a year or two I'm sure its looking better (it was a touch seedy when I was there last but still interesting).
October 13, 20159 yr I was going to ask you to show some pictures of Elgin, but then I did a search and saw that you posted some a couple years ago. Nice. I agree with you that Elgin seems to have a stronger downtown in terms of activity, but I think that, in terms of architecture, I prefer Aurora.
October 14, 20159 yr Great stuff! "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
October 14, 20159 yr Great thread. I always mean to do a Chicagoland trip to see Joliet, Elgin, and Aurora.
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