$128.5 million Aurora projects will finish on time despite COVID-19 challenges: Developers

Developers for two significant Aurora projects say the work is on track to finish on time, despite the COVID-19 crisis.

Russ Woerman, a partner and construction supervisor on the former Copley Hospital campus project and the development of the former West Aurora School District administration building, told the Chicago Tribune they “definitely have had hiccups.”

However, contractors are observing protocols as construction continues as an essential business.

Contractors working for Fox Valley Developers, LLC are working on the first part of an overall $128.5 million renovation of the former hospital’s campus, with a completion schedule for 2021.

The former nurses building will become a new administration building for the East Aurora School district. “The project also includes construction of a new building next to it that will be a small events area for the district, and an open space, park-like area between the new administration building and Bardwell School to the south,” The Tribune reports.

Meanwhile at the former West Aurora administration building at 80 S. River St., work has continued on first floor office space and second floor apartments, with drywall completed.

Woerman said developers are obtaining permits to finish buildout for Kluber Architects and Engineers, which is moving into 80 S. River from their offices in Batavia.

Kluber president Mike Kluber said in the published report that getting ready to move into the Aurora location, despite the tough economic times right now, “is an opportunity to position your business to be even more successful during good economic times and we remain fully committed to our move.”

“We couldn’t be more excited for our relocation and to play a small part in the economic revival of this tremendous business district,” he was quoted as saying.