Park district to demolish Fox River maintenance buildings in Aurora

The Fox River is soon to become even more visible near downtown Aurora.

That's because two maintenance buildings at 712 South River St. forming an L-shaped barrier between South River Street Park and the river itself are slated for demolition in mid-November, said Jeff Long, spokesman for the Fox Valley Park District.

The district's board of trustees approved a bid Monday promising $48,500 to Johler Demolition Inc. of Elk Grove Village for removal of the two steel buildings.

“It's going to be great because that area is going to be restored as open space, as recreational space, Long said.

And creating and preserving open space on the Fox River is the park district's mission, he said.

“I think the park district has absolutely showed great leadership when it comes to the Fox River, Charlie Zine, chairman of the Valley of the Fox Sierra Club, said. “I'm tickled pink that they did it on their own and didn't even have to be asked.

The new recreational space will be used to create a trailhead for two bike paths the Fox River Trail and the Virgil Gilman Nature Trail that intersect near South River Street Park.

Melissa Stoneking, an Aurora resident who organized a bike ride to promote the need for more bike lanes in the city, said the trailhead will make downtown Aurora and its riverfront more visible to recreational bicyclists.

“I think it's great, Stoneking said. “Especially because it's going to help a lot of people who are just riding through.

Demolishing the maintenance facilities is part of the park district's plan to move all its staff and operations to one location the Cole Center at 101 W. Illinois Ave which will be the new headquarters once renovations are finished, Long said.

It will take a two-man crew from Johler Demolition about two weeks to remove the buildings, the company's owner and President Robby Johler said. One building is 120 feet long and the other is 150 feet long, while both are 30 feet wide, Long said.

“It will open up the view of the river there very nicely, Zine said.