Nicole Mullins (left) and Nikki Brown, co-founders of the non-profit L.I.F.T. Aurora, work from a corner table in the River's Edge Cafe, which offers views of the Fox River and one of the Downer Place bridges. | Jeff Cagle~For Sun-Times Media
Barber Hector Ortiz gives Ahmad Williams, of Aurora, a haircut. The business is right on the edge of Downer place which will be closed as the city works on two bridges. Co-Owners Ruben Berrios and Luis Figueroa work mostly off repeat and scheduled clients
Ruben Berrios, co-owner of the Big Boss Barber Shop at Stolp Avenue and Downer Place, cuts Felipe Villagran's hair. Berrios, along with co-owner Luis Figueroa, work mostly off repeat and scheduled clients and aren't to concerned with the closure affecting
Johno's Sporting Goods employee Juana Nolasco works to press a logo onto a T-shirt on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012. Store owner John Galles, who has had a store in downtown Aurora for more than 50 years, said he isn't worried about bridge construction hurting
River's Edge Cafe employees Reece Boyd (left) and Brandon Robinson work to fill an order. Employees say they have a loyal base of customers who have pledged their patronage during bridge construction, which starts in February and will last nine months. |
Kayla d'Escoto (left) and Bliss Clark, both of Aurora, look through menus before placing an order at the River's Edge Cafe. | Jeff Cagle~For Sun-Times Media
Dan Hites, owner of the River's Edge Cafe, looks through some paperwork from a couch overlooking the Fox River and one of the Downer Place bridges which will be closed for reconstruction. | Jeff Cagle~For Sun-Times Media
Bridges going out, but Downer Place shops to keep running
AURORA — Doing business on Downer Place during bridge construction won’t be easy, but downtown Aurora business owners say they’re prepared to weather the nine-month project. Construction to replace the Downer Place bridges that span the Fox River will kick off Feb. 6. The key … Read More