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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Historic Preservation Commission
DATE: September 16, 2026
SUBJECT:
A Resolution Authorizing Approval of the Summer 2026 Historic Preservation Grants and Allowing the Mayor to enter into Historic Preservation Grant Agreements and Addendums (Legistar 26-0561/ KDWK-26.116-PZ/HP- JM)
PURPOSE:
Authorizing the execution of a Historic Preservation Grant Agreements with owners of properties within the historic districts or local landmarks to foster the continued preservation of Aurora’s historic neighborhoods and landmarks.
BACKGROUND:
Last year, City Council approved a million dollars for the Historic Preservation Grant Program to be expanded over multiple years along with expanding the program to both owner occupied and rental properties up to five living units and increased the maximum grant amount. The Preservation Grant Program is a reimbursable grant for exterior historic rehabilitation projects. The maximum increased from $20,000 to $30,000. All grants at or under $15,000 require no cash match. All grants over $15,000 require a dollar-for-dollar cash match for every dollar over $15,000. The final $1,000 of the grant is additional funding for the use of local contractors.
The current balance in account 101-1840-463.50-43 is approximately $378,000.
DISCUSSION:
Staff received 28 applications representing the local districts, the National Register district, and Local Landmarks. The work is all exterior ranging from tuckpointing, window repair, chimney restoration, siding repair and painting to structural stabilization and porch restorations. Staff used additional outreach efforts for this grant round, including handing out flyers and having a community meeting.
On August 2, 2026, the Historic Preservation Grant Committee reviewed the 28 applications submitted for the Summer 2026 Historic Preservation Grant Program.
The Preservation Committee evaluated all project applications using a five-point scale, with one representing the highest ranking. The Committee recommended funding projects ranked one and two. Projects that did not receive funding in this round may be reconsidered in the next cycle.
Funding recommendations were based primarily on the scope of each project, with priority given to owner-occupied homes. Each application was assessed according to multiple criteria, including-but not limited to-the condition of the property, historical significance, potential public benefit, impact on the streetscape, visibility, and the extent to which original materials would be preserved.
As outlined in more detail on the attached Proposed Summer 2026 Historic Preservation Grants Summary, the following are recommended for approval:
1.) 11 S. Highland - Westside- Front Porch Repairs - $18,978
2.) 67 S. Highland - Westside - Tuckpointing, porch rail, painting- $23,070
3.) 142 S. Lincoln Avenue - Near Eastside - Window, Doors, and Gutters Repair - $30,009
4.) 175 S. 4th Street - Near Eastside - Front Porch Restoration - $14,965
5.) 215 S. 4th Street - Near Eastside - Front Porch Restoration - $16,335
6.) 327 W. New York Street - Tanner -Porch repairs and painting - $12,980
7.) 355 Lawndale Avenue - Riddle Highlands - Window restoration - $15,000
8.) 360 Sunset Avenue - Riddle Highlands - Wood storm windows & Trim Repair- $10,230
9.) 361 Lawndale Avenue - Riddle Highlands - Window & door restoration - $12,650
10.) 415 Oak Avenue - Tanner - Wood Repairs & Painting- $26,279
11.) 418 Grand Avenue - Tanner - Front porch Reconstruction- $25,000
12.) 422 Grand Avenue - Tanner - Front porch Reconstruction - $24,560
13.) 431 Blakchawk Street - Tanner - Exterior Staircase and Porch Restoration - $17,676
14.) 433 Oak Avenue - Tanner - Painting; Window & Door Restoration - $11,825
15.) 435 W. New York Street - Soffit, Porch Steps & Handrail Repairs- $10,852
16.) 506 W. Downer Place - Landmark - Decorative Wood Work Repair & Painting- $25,880
17.) 507 Oak Avenue - Tanner - Wood windows, doors, porch restoration- $29,593
18.) 547 5th Street - Local Landmark - Window restoration - $19,225
19.) 554-556 S. 4th Street - Near Eastside - Siding repairs, porch repairs, tuckpointing - $26,000
20.) 985 Sheffer Road - Landmark - Porch Restoration: $6,380
POLICIES AND GUIDELINES:
The Staff’s Evaluation and Recommendation are based on the City of Aurora Historic
Districts and Landmarks Guideline.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Historic Preservation Commission recommended APPROVAL of A Resolution Authorizing Approval of the Summer 2026 Historic Preservation Grants and Allowing the Mayor to enter into Historic Preservation Grant Agreements and Addendums.
ATTACHMENTS:
Proposed Summer 2026 Historic Preservation Summary
Photo Presentation
cc: Tracey Vacek, Zoning & Planning Director
John P. Curley, Chief Development Services Officer
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution Authorizing Approval of the Summer 2026 Historic Preservation Grants and Allowing the Mayor to enter into Historic Preservation Grant Agreements and Addendums
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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 petitions dated August 24, 2026, owners filed with the City of Aurora a request for Preservation Grants for certain properties within the City of Aurora;
WHEREAS, on September 10, 2026, the Historic Preservation Commission reviewed said requests and recommended that the City allow the Mayor to enter into Preservation Grant Agreements; and
WHEREAS, the City Budget contains sufficient funds in Account Number 101-1840-463.50-43 and 215-1840-463.50-43 Other SC-Special Programs/Grant/Property Rehab in order to provide all necessary funding for the projects;
WHEREAS, on September 23, 2025, the Building, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee of the Aurora City Council reviewed said petition and the before mentioned recommendations and recommended APPROVAL of said petition; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, finds as facts all of the preamble recitals of this Resolution and hereby authorizing the City’s Mayor, Chief Development Services Officer, and Zoning and Planning Director, or their designees, to execute Historic Preservation Grant Agreements and Amendments as well as any other documents associated with these approvals, for the Summer 2026 Historic Preservation Grant Program as listed on Exhibit “A”.