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The Value of Rehab

At the present time many local communities have, or have inherited, structures that were fine and appropriate when they were built 30 or 40 years ago. However, when a community wishes to spruce up an area of town, there are other reasonable options available than wholesale demolition. Enclosed are excellent examples of local projects.Aurora is an old river - industrial town. It has many new and modern facilities throughout its jurisdiction. It also has some unsightly, under-utilized, vacant structures, many of which have slipped into abandonment. The selective use of tax abatement and other limited financial incentives can induce existing ownership or new partnerships to reinvest in this existing community. This approach is not only profitable for the parties involved, it also adds value to the community as a whole. Masonry affords these owners, with the aide of a skilled and knowledgeable architect and contractor, a unique, economical solution.

The City of Aurora Speaks:

David Pierce

Mayor - Aurora, Illinois

What Terry Mulligan has done is an example of the impact that a small developer can make in a city, according to DavidPierce, Mayor of Aurora, Illinois. "Terry took several tired old buildings that had been ignored in an existing manufacturing district, and with small business development incentives from the City of Aurora, he rehabilitated those buildings and built a new one, significantly improving the area," Mayor Pierce said. "In fact, his investment encouraged other businesses to invest in the area, resulting in new jobs and much needed beautification. The City of Aurora is very supportive of the redevelopment efforts of small businesses.

Mark Anderson

Director of Permits and Inspections - Aurora, Illinois

"Mulligan Masonry did a great job of making quality improvements and adding beautification to buildings that had become dysfunctional and deteriorated," said Mark Anderson, director of permits and inspections for the City of Aurora. "The city provided incentives, but the end result was an industrial complex that benefits the community as a whole."The project was a recipient of a City of Aurora Mayor's Award for excellence in property improvement in 1993.

Architect: O. Kleb and Associates

Mason Contractor: Mulligan Masonry Company, Inc.

Mason Contractor: Febel Bros., Inc.

Architect: Harrison & Associates

The building that serves as the corporate office for the Prairie Group, the midwest's leading supplier of building materials, has gone through several renovations. Located in Bridgeview, IL, this was the Oremus home when the business was founded in 1948, and the building grew as the business continued to grow. When the latest addition was made, it was decided to remove the frame and siding facade and replace it with brick. By using brick in the new construction, the Prairie Group was able to take advantage of brick design flexibility. Brick arches above windows, dramatic entrance lobby, and paving add a modern character to this renovation.