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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Lukasz Tatara, Superintendent of Facilities Maintenance
DATE: July 7, 2026
SUBJECT:
Approval of a One-Year lease agreement with The Riverfront Playhouse for the property located at 13 S. Water Street, Aurora, Illinois
PURPOSE:
To obtain City Council approval of a new one-year lease agreement with The Riverfront Playhouse for the property located at 13 S. Water Street, known as "the Vargas Building." where operates its independent theater. The new lease will run for the term of one (1) year, and expire on July 31, 2027, with options to renew for additional one (1) year terms.
BACKGROUND:
The Riverfront Playhouse has been a tenant of the City of Aurora for many years, and their lease has now expired. Approval of the new lease will ensure the continued occupancy and operation of the theater while bringing the agreement up to date and in compliance with current standards.
DISCUSSION:
The new lease is for a one (1) year term and will commence on August 1, 2026, or on the date it is approved by the Aurora City Council, whichever occurs later. The initial term will expire on July 31, 2027. The lease may be renewed for up to three (3) additional one (1) year terms, subject to the written consent of both parties. Renewal notices must be provided at least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the then-current term.
The new lease maintains the same monthly rental rate previously paid by The Riverfront Playhouse prior to the expiration of the former agreement, which is four hundred dollars ($400.00) per month. The Riverfront Playhouse will also continue to contribute to Special Service Area One.
The lease further clarifies maintenance responsibilities for both parties and outlines the procedure for The Riverfront Playhouse to contact City staff for maintenance concerns or emergency issues. Additionally, it specifies the circumstances under which the City may enter the premises and the required notice. Insurance requirements are also included.
Overall, the remaining provisions consist of standard terms typically incorporated into City lease agreements, and The Riverfront Playhouse has agreed to these terms. A copy of the proposed lease is attached as Exhibit A.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Approval of this lease will ensure the agreement is current and replaces the expired documents, it also allows Riverfront Playhouse to continue operating at its current location without interruption. The agreement maintains the existing rental rate while providing updated lease provisions that better define the responsibilities of both parties.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends approval of the Lease Agreement between the City of Aurora and The Riverfront Playhouse for the property located at 13 S. Water Street."
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution approving a new lease with The Riverfront Playhouse for the space located at 13 S. Water Street, Aurora, Illinois for a term of one (1) year.
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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, the Riverfront Playhouse has leased the property located at 13 S. Water Street for many years and operates as an independent theater, and their lease has now expired, and
WHEREAS, approval of the new lease will ensure the continued occupancy and operation of the theater while bringing the agreement up to date and in compliance with current standards, and
WHEREAS, the new lease is for a one (1) year term and will commence on August 1, 2026, or on the date it is approved by the Aurora City Council, whichever occurs later. The initial term will expire on July 31, 2027. and
WHEREAS, the lease may be renewed for up to three (3) additional one (1) year terms, subject to the written consent of both parties. Renewal notices must be provided at least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the then current term., and
WHEREAS, the new lease maintains the same monthly rental rate previously paid by The Riverfront Playhouse prior to the expiration of the former agreement, which is four hundred dollars ($400.00) per month. The Riverfront Playhouse will also contribute to Special Service Area One, and
WHEREAS, approval of this lease will ensure the agreement is current and replaces the expired documents, it also allows Riverfront Playhouse to continue operating at its current location without interruption. The agreement maintains the existing rental rate while providing updated lease provisions that better define the responsibilities of both parties, and.)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: staff recommends approval of the Lease Agreement between the City of Aurora and The Riverfront Playhouse for the property located at 13 S. Water Street.