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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 caf?, 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 wi...
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