Bloomhaven Innovative Living Community, Aurora

2023 Landmarks Illinois Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Award for Adaptive Reuse

Fox Valley Developers redeveloped the 135-year-old abandoned former City Hospital of Aurora campus to create a unique residential development for seniors, those with special needs or those who require memory care. The sprawling living community also provides on-site medical facilities including a pharmacy, imaging, laboratory and urgent care that support the residents as well as the surrounding area. It also features 1.5 acres of green space.

 

(Photo credit: Tom Nicol)

Additional Information

In 1888, the City Hospital of Aurora was built containing 25 patient beds. Building add-ons occurred in the 1920s, 1930s, 1950s and 1970s. After a generous donation from Ira Clifton Copley in 1937, the hospital was renamed Copley Memorial Hospital. In 1995, it moved to a new facility, the Rush-Copley Medical Center, and the campus was left abandoned to the chagrin of Aurora residents who were born or had other histories there. The campus became a dangerous eyesore left to vandals and the elements for over three decades.

That’s when a group of lifelong friends and Aurora business leaders formed Fox Valley Developers and decided to rehabilitate the space to fulfill the medical and family needs of the city. Local residents who house family at Bloomhaven have called it a “godsend.” The campus was listed in the National register of Historic Places in 2019.

 

(Photo credit: Tom Nicol)

 

*Above list is provided by nominators. Don’t see your company listed but worked on this project? Let us know! Email lwills (at) landmarks.org.

Project Principals

• Fox Valley Developers, Owner
• Michael Poulakidas, JTE Real Estate
• Stathis Poulakidas, Stroger Hospital
• Jason Konrad, Konrad Construction
• Paul Konrad, Konrad Construction
• Russell Woerman, KWCC Construction
• Jeff Bruns, Kluber Architects + Engineers, Architect
• Ryan, Historic Tax Credit Consulting

 

(Photo credit: Tom Nicol)

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)

HOW DID THIS PLACE IMPACT PEOPLE IN YOUR COMMUNITY?

Michael Poulakidas, Fox Valley Developers Owne

This project is improving the quality of life for Aurora residents and those who live and work at the campus. The benefit for the city and neighborhood is a bustling campus that would otherwise remain decrepit, drawing negative attention and activity. Community members now have greater healthcare options closer to home. Seniors have a new senior facility to enjoy within their existing community. And the campus is attracting tenants from other cities for the independent apartment community for adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities.

The building is included in the National Register of Historic Places, and its reuse benefits the community by preventing unnecessary damage to recognized landmarks. The project has also stimulated the local economy. A third-party fiscal impact study estimated the project will result in $13.9 million in projected fiscal returns to the City of Aurora. Further, it was determined that during construction and the beginning of operations, the development would provide economic stimulus in the local economy resulting in approximately 740 jobs and $52.5 million in new personal income, equal to $71,000 per job created during this time period. The uses at the campus will create 260 jobs in the community and generate $16.9 million in new local labor income annually, or $388.7 million in new local labor income over the next 25 years.