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TO: Building, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee
FROM: Jane Rechner, Associate Planner
DATE: July 21, 2026
SUBJECT:
A Resolution Approving a Revision to the Final Plan for 1433 Prairie Street for a Learning Commons Use. (Aurora University - 26-0454 / AU20/3-26.206 - Fpn/R - JR - Ward 4).
PURPOSE:
The Petitioner, Aurora University, is requesting approval of a Final Plan Revision for 1433 Prairie Street for a Learning Commons Use.
BACKGROUND:
The subject property is zoned R-1(C) One-Family Dwelling District with a Conditional Use Planned Development. It is part of the Aurora University campus. The Petitioner is requesting approval of a Final Plan Revision for 1433 Prairie Street.
The original final plan for the Aurora University Learning Commons was approved on May 20th, 2025, under Resolution PDFNL25-007. The petitioner is requesting a revision of the approved Landscape Plan to improve the aesthetic alignment with the rest of the campus. The details of the request include an increase in the number of canopy trees and a decrease in the number of deciduous and evergreen shrubs. The Canopy Tree Equivalent (CTE) count was originally 58 and will decrease to 48, which meets the landscape requirement. No changes are proposed to the Learning Commons building.
DISCUSSION:
Staff has reviewed the Final Plan Resolution petition and has 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.
POLICIES AND GUIDELINES:
11.0 To guide the growth of the City in an orderly and structured manner.
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 APPROVAL of the A Resolution Approving a Revision to the Final Plan for 1433 Prairie Street for a Learning Commons Use.
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit "A-1" Landscape Plan
Maps
Land Use Petition and Supporting Documents
Appealable Sheet
Legistar Number: 26-0454
cc:
Alderman Michael Saville, Chairperson
Alderwoman Patty Smith, Vice Chairperson
Alderman Javier Bañuelos
Alderwoman Juany Garza
Alderman Will White
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution approving a Final Plan Revision for 1433 Prairie Street for a Learning Commons Use.
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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 July 7, 2026, Aurora University filed with the City of Aurora a petition requesting approval of a Final Plan Revision for 1433 Prairie Street for a Learning Commons Use and related required documents as attached hereto as Exhibit "A-1"; and
WHEREAS, on July 29, 2026, the Building, Zoning and Economic Development Committee of the Aurora City Council reviewed said Final Plan and recommended 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 RESOLVED that 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 APPROVAL of said Final Plan.
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" Landscape Plan, along with any easement dedications deemed necessary by the Aurora City Engineer.