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The history of the Aurora Roundhouse begins in 1856, when Aurora,
Illinois was chosen as the site for a major car building and repair shop
by the Chicago Burlington and Quincy Railroad. Originally, twenty-two
stalls were built to house and repair locomotives. Eight additional
stalls were added in 1859, and in 1864, the final ten stalls were added
to the Roundhouse, making it a complete circle. Further additions and
improvements between 1863 and 1923 included two fireproof buildings, a
701 foot artesian well, an engine house for the car department, a new
coal house, and an electric powerhouse. In 1867, a new depot was built,
along with the additions of two stone roundhouses and other shops.
The Aurora Roundhouse lay empty and deteriorating for many years until
1995, when the Aurora City Council voted 10-0 to permit Walter Payton,
NFL Hall of Famer, and his partners Scott Ascher, Pam Ascher and Mark
Alberts to redevelop it. It then became Walter Payton's Roundhouse
Complex, housing America's Brewpub, America's Brewing Company, America's
Banquets, the Walter Payton Museum, and an open air entertainment
courtyard. It officially opened on March 21, 1996, celebrating the 140th
year of the roundhouse. The Aurora Roundhouse is the oldest existing
limestone roundhouse in the nation.
Aurora's beloved Roundhouse will undergo a new makeover once again as brothers Jim and Jason Ebel co-owners of Warrenville-based Two Brothers Breweing Company and new owners of the Roundhouse prepare to give it a facelift.
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