Aurora's memorial hall receives $55,000 grant

A historic building in Aurora didn't secure the top prize in an area preservation contest, but it still will receive money to help in its restoration.

The Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall this week was awarded $55,000 to restore its original stained-glass windows.

The hall, a tribute to Civil War Union soldiers, competed with 24 other Chicago-area sites for funds in the American Express Partners in Preservation contest.

Tens of thousands of people voted online during a five-week period this fall for their favorite landmark for a guaranteed portion of a $1 million preservation grant.

Chicago's On Leong Merchant Association Building was the winner and received a $110,000 grant in October.

But contest leaders also awarded money to 14 other sites, including the GAR Hall, at 23 E. Downer Place, and Geneva's Viking Ship, which received $52,000. The remaining 10 sites each got a $5,000 grant.

Aurora leaders originally wanted $94,000 to restore the windows. But they're "very happy" to receive anything, said Jan Mangers of the Aurora Preservation Commission.

"Aurorans really came together to support preservation," she said today.

If anything, the contest helped raise awareness about the hall, which was built in 1878, she said. It was closed a few years ago because of safety concerns.

City leaders have committed to renovating the hall, and work on an estimated $3 million makeover should start next month.

Workers will stabilize the facility, build a basement museum and renovate the first floor.

Raising visibility of historic sites was one of the contest's main goals, said Tim McClimon, president of the American Express Foundation.

"It went extremely well," he said. "In talking to the organizations, the sites are seeing increased visitors, members and donations."