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TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Tracey M. Vacek, Senior Planner
DATE: May 6, 2025
SUBJECT:
A Resolution Approving a Final Plan for the Learning Commons on the Aurora University Campus located at the northwest corner of Prairie Street and S. Randall Road (Aurora University - 25-0391 / AU20/3-25.125-Fpn - TV - Ward 4)
PURPOSE:
The Petitioner, Aurora University, is requesting approval of a Final Plan for the Learning Commons on the Aurora University Campus located on the northwest corner of Prairie Street and S. Randall Road.
BACKGROUND:
The Subject Property currently includes Aurora University, a private, post-secondary institution of higher education with accredited Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral level programs. The Campus currently consists of approximately 40 acres and includes 18 major buildings, 7 parking lots, a parking deck and a football field/soccer field with bleachers. The University has acquired all but one property on the south side of Southlawn Place, which is currently a single-family dwelling with R-1 One-Family Dwelling District zoning. Most of the homes acquired have been demolished for redevelopment. The remaining acquired homes are being used for University offices, classrooms and a studio.
The Petitioner is requesting approval of a Final Plan for the construction of a 49,300-square-foot, three-story Learning Commons building. The first floor will include the new campus library, a café, and career services. The second floor will house a tech hub and innovation spaces, the Academic Support Center, and a two-story open collaboration area where students can work on assignments and research. In addition to mechanical space, the third floor will feature a large outdoor terrace and a quiet lounge on the east side. The university’s archive and testing center will also be located on the third floor.
The building elevations are designed to complement the existing campus architecture. The exterior will feature face brick accented with glazed brick and metal elements. A glazed curtain wall will be incorporated on all elevations, with particular emphasis at both entrances, allowing natural light to enter the interior spaces.
Landscaping is being implemented throughout the site. Stormwater management for the proposed project has been addressed through the implementation of permeable pavers, a bio-swale, and infiltration areas. The bio-swale and infiltration areas are intended to capture runoff, remove pollutants, and reduce both the rate and volume of runoff. Stormwater runoff calculations indicate a reduction in the proposed runoff release rate compared to existing conditions downstream. Additionally, there will be no change in the direction of stormwater runoff; it will continue to be captured by the existing storm sewers on Prairie Street, with overland flood runoff also directed toward Prairie Street.
DISCUSSION:
Staff has reviewed the Final Plan Resolution petition and have sent comments back to the petitioner on those submittals. The petitioner has made the requested revisions to these documents and they now meet the applicable codes and ordinances, with the exception of the items reflected in the conditions listed in the Staff Recommendation below.
POLICIES AND GUIDELINES:
The Staff’s Evaluation and Recommendation are based on the following Physical Development Policies:
11.1 (5) To guide and promote development to areas where public utilities, public roads and municipal services are either available or planned.
11.1(3) To encourage new development contiguous to existing development.
14.1(4) To encourage quality site design throughout the City.
14.1(5) To provide for the visual enhancement of the City through attractive landscaping, quality signage and diverse building design and arrangement.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends CONDITIONAL APPROVAL of the Resolution Approving a Final Plan for the Learning Commons on the Aurora University Campus located at the northwest corner of Prairie Street and S. Randall Road, with the following conditions:
1) That the type of bollards being used within the Fire Lane be reviewed and approved by the Fire Marshal.
2) That the Final Plan approval is contingent upon Final Engineering approval.
3) That a long-term maintenance plan be prepared and be included in the engineering plan for the maintenance of the permeable pavers, bio-swales, and infiltration areas.
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit "A-1" Final Plan
Exhibit "A-2" Landscape Plan
Exhibit "A-3" Building and Signage Elevations
Fire Access Plan
Land Use Petition and Supporting Document
Appealable Sheet
Maps
cc: Alderwoman Patty Smith, Chairperson
Alderwoman Shweta Baid, Vice Chairperson
Alderman Michael B. Saville
Alderman Bill Donnell
Alderman Carl Franco
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution Approving a Final Plan for the Learning Commons on the Aurora University Campus located at the northwest corner of Prairie Street and S. Randall Road
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, by petition dated April 10, 2025, Aurora University filed with the City of Aurora a petition Requesting approval of a Final Plan for the Learning Commons on the Aurora University Campus located on the northwest corner of Prairie Street and S. Randall Road and related required documents as attached hereto as Exhibits "A-1" through Exhibit “A-3”; and
WHEREAS, on May 14, 2025, the Building, Zoning and Economic Development Committee of the Aurora City Council reviewed said Final Plan and recommended CONDITIONAL APPROVAL of said petition; and
WHEREAS, the decision of the Building, Zoning and Economic Development Committee with respect to a Final Plan is subject to appeal to the City Council in the manner set forth in Chapter 34 of the Code of Ordinances, City of Aurora, Illinois; and
WHEREAS, no person authorized under Chapter 34 to appeal such decision having done so in the manner set forth in the Code, the Decision of the Building, Zoning and Economic Development Committee constitutes final action on the proposed Final Plan; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Building, Zoning and Economic Development Committee of the City of Aurora, Illinois, finds as facts all of the preamble recitals of this Resolution and hereby grants CONDITIONAL APPROVAL of said Final Plan with the following conditions:
1) That the type of bollards being used within the Fire Lane be reviewed and approved by the Fire Marshal.
2) That the Final Plan approval is contingent upon Final Engineering approval.
3) That a long-term maintenance plan be prepared and be included in the engineering plan for the maintenance of the permeable pavers, bio-swales, and infiltration areas.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Building, Zoning and Economic Development Committee of the City of Aurora hereby adopts the Final Plan and related required documents, as attached hereto as Exhibit "A-1" Final Plan, Exhibit “A-2” Landscape Plan, and Exhibit “A-3” Building and Signage Elevations, along with any easement dedications deemed necessary by the Aurora City Engineer.