The demolition process of the near century-old historic former Masonic Temple in Aurora began Friday.
The city government of Aurora has contracted with Alpine Demolition of St. Charles and Aurora to complete the full removal of the building and restoration of the site and rights of way.
Destroyed by a catastrophic fire early last week, the Masonic Temple is structurally unsound and could present a danger to the immediate neighborhood or to thrill-seekers attempting to venture inside. The building has been secured by temporary fencing and public safety personnel since the fire.
The four columns on the west side will be saved along with a cornerstone and a Mason Temple emblem.
“Immediate deployment to the site was a top priority,” said Aurora chief development officer John Curley. “For the safety of the neighborhood and contractors, our goal is to first make the structure safe as quickly as possible before the process begins to remove the structure.”
The initial phase of the demolition process commenced last week with the arrival of Alpine staff members and construction equipment. Simultaneously, an environmental consultant was deployed to place air sampling monitors on the site for the protection of those working on the project.
“As a result of this incident, citizens have been concerned with potential health hazards,” said Aurora Fire Chief Gary Krienitz. “There are no health or safety concerns threatening the public. Any potential hazards are confined to the building.”
Although the majority of the building will be razed, salvaged will be the four large west-facing columns at the building’s main entrance and the cornerstone of the building, which is presumed to contain a time capsule, for historic purposes. After further review, the historic district house immediately east of the Masonic Temple will not be demolished and can be retained by the owner.
During the entirety of the project, road closures will be enforced. Benton Street will be closed from Broadway Avenue to Fourth Street. Lincoln Avenue will be closed from Downer Place to Clark Street.
Conditions permitting, the project is anticipated to be completed within 50 days at a total cost not to exceed $780,000 by Alpine Demolition Services of St. Charles.
—City government of Aurora