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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Jill N. Morgan, Senior Planner and Nicole Mullins, Chief Community Services Officer
DATE: August 22, 2026
SUBJECT:
A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Funding and Merchandise License Agreement with the Aurora Historical Society to allow for the raising and contributing of funds to support the eventual restoration of the Northgate Sign within the Northgate Shopping Center located at 902 N. Lake Street
PURPOSE:
The Aurora Historic Society is requesting to enter into a Funding and Merchandise License Agreement which would allow the Aurora Historical Society to raise funds through fundraising, donations, and selling merchandise, in order to collaborate with the City to facilitate the restoration of the Northgate Sign.
BACKGROUND:
The City is pursuing a separate Property Conveyance and Donation Agreement with the owner of the Northgate Shopping Center to acquire a small portion of the property containing the Northgate Sign. The owners intends to donate the parcel to the City so that the City can restore the Northgate Sign and create a landscaped and hardscaped bed around the sign for small interpretive signage. The City will pursue various means to financially support the restoration of the sign, including pursing state and federal grants.
The Aurora Historical Society is offering to assist in the restoration efforts by working collaboratively with the City and Community-based partners to raise funds in an amount sufficient to fund the restoration. They will fundraise, collect donations, sell merchandise bearing the name, design, image, or likeness of the Sign, etc. All funds raised for the Restoration will be disbursed solely for the cost of the restoration.
The Agreement outlines a preliminary budget of $305,000 for the project, which includes $225,000 for the sign restoration, $35,000 for electrical connection, and $45,000 for site improvements. The amount is an estimate based upon some initial estimates obtai...
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