Aurora approves AU expansion plans
By Stephanie LuLay slualy@stmedianetwork.com February 29, 2012 9:58AM
Updated: April 2, 2012 8:57AM
AURORA — Aldermen unanimously approved Aurora University’s expansion plans on Tuesday.
The expansion is outlined in the university’s 2012 Master Plan. Most of the growth is heading southward to Prairie Street.
After a successful push to purchase $8 million worth of residential properties over 12 years, AU has plans to create a prominent campus entrance and other buildings, according to university President Rebecca Sherrick. AU will expand from 32 to 40 acres.
The university will first focus on building a 21,000-square-foot Welcome Center on Calumet Avenue; a red brick, red tile and wrought iron Centennial Gateway at Prairie and Calumet; and an addition to the Wackerlin Center for Faith and Action at Evanslawn Avenue and Southlawn Place.
Sherrick said the gateway is the first project the university plans to break ground on during 2012.
The university last presented a Master Plan in 2009.
