This year saw 11 storefronts filled in downtown Aurora, plus two that joined existing tenants. Of the 13 businesses, eight are new, four relocated, and one reopened.
• 1881 Electric Cycle Company opened at 1 E. Benton Street in the Spring. The electric bike shop features a showroom of various electric bicycles on the lower level of the former Library building children’s area. Remodeled by the property owners, the basement was previously acting as an occasional event space. Call (331) 229-6118 or visit 1881electriccycle.com.
• Undisputed Vintage celebrated its ribbon cutting in April. At 14 W. Downer Place, the storefront joins the Metropolitan Business College building lineup that includes All Spoked Up and Tredwell Coffee. The vintage store favors pop culture and sports apparel from the 1990s.
• Craft Urban opened a second location at 41 S. Stolp Avenue in the Summer. The seasonal American craft kitchen and bar features daily specials, a happy hour at the bar, and plentiful indoor and outdoor seating. It has a business in Geneva. The Aurora location offers a variety of events and its popular ramen night.
• This summer, Alice’s Corner Bolivian Cuisine moved into 37 W. New York Street to bring the familiar empanadas to a downtown storefront. Owners Alicia and Oscar Butron long have been staples at Aurora Farmers Market and Geneva French Market. At their restaurant, they serve a full menu with daily specials.
• Kathryn’s Place celebrated an August ribbon- cutting at 61 S. Stolp Avenue. The new juice bar serves up shakes, fresh and raw juices, and a natural foods menu. Behind QT3 Fitness, the juice shop honors owner Quint Thompson’s mother.
• Adriana Vazquez and Richard Mulligan opened Nuna Ceramics Art Studio, 77 S. Lake Street in September. The studio offers products, memberships, hand building and wheel-throwing workshops and classes. More can be learned at www.nunaceramics.com.
• Hoof + Horn moved into 14 W. Downer Place in Wyckwood House’s previous location in the Fall. The metaphysical store relocated from Yorkville to bring its witchy items to downtown Aurora. The retail store specializes in crystals, reiki, healing, yoga, meditation, herbs, candles, and ritual supplies. They have a line of home decor and houseplants.
• The Cornucopia Shop opened this Summer and celebrated with a ribbon-cutting at September’s First Fridays. Owners Kate and Dave Lasota brought their gift basket business to 63 S. Broadway, next to the city’s Development Services Building. The storefront is packed with a wide variety of gifts such as candy, dips, cheeses, and teas. They often give tea samples for store visitors.
Relocated in downtown
• Wyckwood House expanded into a new storefront and added a cocktail bar ion the Spring. The new location in the renovated school district building at 80 S. River Street features a larger women’s boutique with a line of men’s apparel as well as a cocktail bar and liquor market. Owner Shannon Gutierrez also added an event coordinator to her staff to be host to private events in the cocktail lounge.
• The Cotton Seed Creative Exchange relocated from Broadway to 64 S. River Street. Owner Yvonne Toney-Thompson provides a curated shopping experience focused on local makers, artists, and small businesses. The retail store features include boutique gifts, new books, used vinyl, and custom apparel.
• This Fall, Sammy Wammy Floral expanded into a larger storefront at 32 N. Broadway. The family-owned business specializes in fresh floral designs and custom orders for all seasons and occasions.
• State Farm moved into a street-level storefront at 26 N. Broadway. Former agent, Medhat Sbeih, operated upstairs across the street. The new location offers an enclosed meeting room and multiple desks.
Reopened in downtown
• Culture Stock, 122 W. Downer Place, reopened inside Simply Destinee in the Summer. The used bookstore is a social venture that operates as a hub for cultural activities and community programs while serving as a used book and media reseller. The bookstore was originally at 43 E. Galena Boulevard along Water Street Mall. In the new space, Culture Stock will be host to open mic nights and other community events.
Marissa Amoni is the manager of Aurora Downtown, a group of business and property owners in Special Service Area One. First Fridays will take a break in January and will return February 3. Follow Aurora Downtown on Facebook and @downtownaurora on Instagram. auroradowntown.org.