LANDMARKS ILLINOIS ASKS: WHY IS THIS PLACE IMPORTANT TO YOU?
Michael Poulakidas, Fox Valley Developers Owner
Old Copley Hospital was once a thriving medical center that operated at this location for over 60 years before being abandoned in the early 1990s. And since then, becoming subject to all sorts of damage, ranging from vandalism and water damage, to black mold. It also became a dangerous local attraction for urban explorers and hobbyist paranormal investigators who were interested in touring abandoned properties. The campus had turned from a neighborhood nuisance to a threat to the health and safety of the public, especially students going to school at Bardwell Elementary directly across the street.
This abandoned space plays a major role in Aurora’s history. One of the most important aspects of the redevelopment was maintaining as many of the historic aspects as possible. MacRostie Historic Advisors was hired to assist in the preservation.
There is so much history to this building. Nearly everyone in the surrounding area knows someone that was treated or born on the former property. The magnitude of the project was overwhelming. The city was dedicated to revitalization and this property represented a key element of that plan.
(Photo credit: Tom Nicol)