By Karen Nielsen Lorence
If you have been through the Near Eastside Historic District in Aurora recently, you’ve seen the transformation of what was once the old Aurora City Hospital.
Just three years ago, Jacqueline Mejia and Jeff Williams took a fresh look at the old City of Aurora Hospital built in 1888, 504 South Lincoln Street in Aurora. The old hospital was at a point where the city was considering demolishing it. Jeff and Jacqui, however, had a fresh vision– envisioning a coffee house, at the site that is now on a campus housing the East Aurora School District Administration Building, Bardwell Senior Center, Weston Bridges and VNA Healthcare.
Although the coffee shop is named Café 1888, it has been enhanced by Jacqueline Mejia’s and her mother’s style, inspired by her original café where she specializes in French patisseries.
The café opened in November of 2024. Special events such as plant sales, car shows, and art exhibits are held throughout the year.
Because the café is historically registered, it cannot have signage to advertise. Instead, the original hospital sign, brightly colored flags, and other attention-getters help draw the eye to its location.