UPDATE: A significant safety incident has left portions of Galena Boulevard in downtown Aurora closed after 200 bricks fell from a nearby building over the weekend. The closures, affecting both the sidewalk and two lanes of traffic, were confirmed on Monday following reports of the incident that occurred around 6 p.m. on Saturday.
Authorities report that the fallen bricks originated from the building located at 102 and 104 E. Galena Blvd. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the damage appears to be nonstructural. However, 11 apartments and two businesses, including Superjumbo Records and Leon’s Barber Shop, were evacuated as a precaution.
The affected areas remain closed as city officials work to ensure public safety. Two lanes of traffic closest to the building, heading towards Stolp Island, are also closed between Broadway and LaSalle Street. The sidewalk outside the businesses is expected to remain shut until scaffolding can be erected, which is crucial for creating a safe pedestrian pathway.
According to Aurora Director of Development Services Josh Ream, the sidewalk and one lane of traffic should reopen by the end of this week, while the other lane may take several weeks to clear. Ream emphasized that the outer layer of bricks that fell was nonstructural and disconnected from the building’s main body.
“We need to assess the damage thoroughly,” Ream stated. “Depending on what we find, we may need to remove the entire outer layer of bricks or simply replace the fallen ones.”
The main entrances to both the residences and businesses will remain closed until the scaffolding is in place. Residents can access their homes through a back entrance, but the need for a safe pathway is critical for the businesses to resume operations.
This isn’t the first time such incidents have occurred in Aurora. In 2019, bricks fell from the nearby Elmslie Building without causing injuries, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding the structural integrity of older buildings in the area.
The city is taking immediate action to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of residents and visitors. As assessments proceed, officials will keep the public informed of developments. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.
