The City of Batavia will be hosting an open house at the First Baptist Church building located at 15 N. Washington Street from 6pm to 8pm on Tuesday January 8th. The City owns the property and is looking to sell it within the next year. Not-for-profit organizations that may be interested in purchasing or otherwise utilizing the property are encouraged to attend to learn more about the building and its potential uses, and limitations. The open house kicks off a process that will result in the City determining the future of the site. City Staff will be present to give tours and will answer questions about the condition of the building.

A brief presentation will be given at 6:30pm with question and answers to follow. After the open house, interested not-for-profit organizations are encouraged to send letters of interest to the City within 30 days if they wish make a proposal for the property’s use. After all the letters are reviewed the City will determine whether it will work with one of the interested not-for-profit groups or market the property to private developers as part of an overall development plan for the site.

The City purchased the building the property from the First Baptist Church in 2005 as part of the anticipated right of way for the proposed straightening of the Route 25 Jog. However, when it was determined that the “Jog” project was no longer financially feasible, the City Council decided to make the property a redevelopment site. The Baptist Church is currently leasing the property from the City and is building a new facility to which they will relocate within the next year.

ABOUT THE AACVB:

The Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau serves as the tourism marketing and management organization for Aurora, Batavia, Hinckley, North Aurora, Montgomery, Plano, Sugar Grove and Yorkville. This not-for-profit organization provides numerous travel resources to visitors via the Web site at www.enjoyaurora.com and a toll-free number 1-800-477-4369