(CREDIT: Google Maps)

The owners of the PNC Bank Building at 65 S. Broadway — the corner of Broadway and Benton — have agreed to donate the property to the city of Aurora.

After moving office operations to its W. Galena Branch, PNC’s downtown main branch was left vacant but in good internal condition, the city said in a Thursday (June 8, 2017) news release. The parking structure in the rear of the facility had not been used when PNC Bank occupied the building because of safety concerns for its customers.

PNC then began marketing the property for sale but given the conditions present and pending legal action were unable to secure buyers, the city said.

“The city has had a repair order on this property for the parking deck that is need of demolition,” said Aurora Chief Development Officer Bill Wiet. “Rather than expend the funds necessary to remove the parking structure, PNC Bank offered the property to the City of Aurora.”

The city will undertake the demolition of the parking structure in the near future using construction funds. City staff will be preparing specifications sometime after the city acquires the building.

“For the cost of the demolition of the parking structure and internal rehab work, the city will inherit prime redevelopment space in downtown Aurora,” said Aurora Chief Management Officer Alex G. Alexandrou. “As we seek to cut costs, consolidate operations, increase efficiency, enhance customer service and put some of our other properties back on the tax rolls, with some work, this building could be instrumental in our plan.”

Discussions have been had on possibly relocating some city offices located in various buildings in the downtown.

“The acquisition of this building is meritorious to the city,” Mayor Richard Irvin said.

The Aurora City Council will vote on the final donation agreement on June 13.

SOURCE: city of Aurora news release