110 Cross
Aurora, Illinois
Preserving the past, building the future in Downtown Aurora.
Studio GWA was proud to provide Historic Tax Credit (HTC) consulting for the redevelopment of 110 Cross, a former industrial building located in the heart of downtown Aurora, Illinois. This project exemplifies the power of preservation to breathe new life into historic structures while maintaining their architectural integrity.
Reviving Industrial Heritage
Originally constructed in 1929, the building is a contributing resource to the Middle Avenue National Register Historic District. The redevelopment transformed the site into Cross & Middle Apartments, a vibrant residential community offering studio and one-bedroom units with modern amenities such as in-unit laundry, Juliette balconies, and thoughtfully designed layouts.
Historic Tax Credit Success
Our role focused on guiding the development team through the complex HTC process, ensuring compliance with federal and state preservation standards. This included coordination with the Illinois State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and the National Park Service (NPS), documentation of the building’s historic significance, and strategic recommendations to retain key architectural features—most notably the building’s industrial façade and original masonry detailing.
The project successfully leveraged Historic Tax Credits to support the adaptive reuse of the building, which now includes residential apartments above a planned brewery space on the ground floor. The result is a dynamic blend of historic character and contemporary living, contributing to the ongoing revitalization of downtown Aurora.
