(Suburban Chronicle photo)

In conjunction with the Aurora Public Library, Seize the Future Development Foundation is seeking proposals for an adaptive reuse of the downtown library building located at 1 East Benton in historic downtown Aurora.

Seize the Future envisions a project that will be sensitive to the historic and architectural importance of the downtown library building, as well as complement and expand upon the area’s continuing redevelopment.

The proposals would be reviewed by Seize the Future staff and Aurora Public Library Board members.

“This building has been an anchor in the downtown community for over 100 years,” said David Hulseberg, president and CEO of Seize the Future. “We’d like to see a market-driven, adaptive reuse project that reflects the unique culture of the city and adds value to the community.”

Daisy Porter-Reynolds, Aurora Public Library executive director, said the current main library “is a significant piece of Aurora history.”

“It would be great if someone has a use for it after we move to the new building,” she said. “I look forward to talking with potential developers about this site.”

The Request For Proposal can be found on Seize the Future’s website, http://www.investinaurora.org. There will be a pre-bid meeting at 1 p.m. Feb. 9 at the downtown library.

After the pre-bid meeting, developers and redevelopment groups will until 4 p.m. March 31 to submit proposals.

–Suburban Chronicle
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