City of Aurora officials hopeful residents should be able to return home soon after building exterior crumbles on E. Galena Blvd.
Share this @internewscast.com

AURORA, Ill. (WLS) — Some Aurora residents are still displaced, after bricks fell off their apartment building this weekend.

In Aurora, the westbound traffic lanes on Galena Boulevard between Broadway and La Salle Street continue to be closed, although city authorities describe this as merely a precaution.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The facade of the building requires repairs, but the overall structure is stable. Consequently, displaced residents and businesses from Saturday night are likely to return within the next couple of days.

It’s been two days since the facade of 100 E. Galena Blvd. in downtown Aurora began to crumble, leading to a hasty evacuation.

“I notified the landlord, prompting him to inform everyone in the building. He reached out to the tenants, saying that if they were indoors, we need to evacuate them,” witness Lorenzo Johnson said.

Since then, city officials have been hard at work, determining the structural integrity of the building.

The property owner has been ensuring the 15 residents have accommodations while arranging a rear entrance for their return. Meanwhile, two businesses, a barbershop and a record store, are still closed.

“Residents were promptly and voluntarily relocated to hotels due to inconvenience and displacement. This procedure aligns with our ordinance requirements, mandating relocations when a building becomes unsafe for occupancy,” stated Aurora Director of Development Services, Josh Ream.

Ream mentioned that similar issues, though to a lesser degree, are affecting other downtown buildings, citing age and outdated construction codes as contributing factors. He thankfully noted that no injuries occurred on Saturday, with facade repairs being the only necessary fix.

“As soon as the scaffolding is back up, they should be able to reopen. So, I’m hoping within 48 hours, shouldn’t be later than end of the week,” Ream said.

Officials said the building had a similar issue on its western facade when it was under different ownership.

But, they said that it was repaired, and the current owner, who is out of town, has been quick to fix any issues that have come up during their annual inspections.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
US pump prices surge 70 cents as Iran war rattles market

Iran Conflict Spurs 70-Cent Surge in US Fuel Prices

New Yorkers are feeling the impact of rising gas prices. The cost…
Headless, handless body found on New York road 56 years ago identified through DNA; killer remains unknown

DNA Breakthrough: Identity of 56-Year-Old New York Cold Case Victim Finally Uncovered, Killer Still at Large

In a breakthrough development, authorities have identified the headless and handless body…
Cubans chant 'Down with Communism' and attack government building during violent night of protests

Cubans Rally Against Communism, Storm Government Building in Intense Night of Protests

In a dramatic display of defiance, protesters filled the streets of Cuba,…
Oscars 2026 sneak peak: Host Conan O'Brien, EJAE's K-Pop moment and new casting category are featured in Academy Awards special

Oscars 2026 Preview: Conan O’Brien Hosts, K-Pop Sensation EJAE Performs, and New Casting Category Debuts

LOS ANGELES — As anticipation builds for the Oscars this Sunday, ABC…
LA activists tied to $177M in city contracts are trying to install a DSA city attorney

LA Activists Linked to Major City Contracts Aim to Elect DSA Supporter as City Attorney

A cadre of progressive activists and attorneys in Los Angeles, who recently…
Trump says US seizing Kharg Island 'not high on the list' of Iran war priorities

Trump Downplays Kharg Island Seizure: A Low Priority in US-Iran Tensions

WASHINGTON — In a recent interview, President Trump addressed the topic of…
Oil pumping off California Coast set to begin after Trump's order. Will gas prices improve?

Trump’s Order Revives California Offshore Oil Drilling: Potential Impact on Gas Prices Explored

Oil extraction efforts are set to recommence off California’s coast, following an…
Greek Oil Tanker Damaged in Suspected Black Sea Drone Attack

Drone Attack Suspected: Greek Oil Tanker Hit in Black Sea Incident

A Greek-flagged oil tanker sustained damage in a suspected drone strike while…
LA City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson claims police stopped him for being black but cops deny

LA City Council President Alleges Racial Profiling in Police Encounter, Officers Dispute Claim

During a recent Los Angeles City Council meeting, emotions ran high as…
Obama Presidential Center wants 100 unpaid volunteers as Valerie Jarrett makes $740K

Obama Presidential Center Seeks Volunteers Amid Jarrett’s $740K Salary

The Obama Foundation is on the lookout for 100 volunteers to support…
Flu vaccines didn't work that well in the US, officials find

US Officials Report Lower Effectiveness of Recent Flu Vaccines

As the flu season in the United States draws to a close,…
Cuban president confirms talks with US after Trump floated 'friendly takeover'

Cuban President Confirms Dialogue with US Following Trump’s ‘Friendly Takeover’ Remark

WASHINGTON — Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel announced on Friday that negotiations are…