A Storied Past
Rush Copley Medical Center, commonly known as Copley Hospital, has a rich history dating back to 1888, when it was initially built on Lincoln Avenue in Aurora, IL. The hospital was much smaller back then, with approximately 25 beds for patient care.
However, the hospital expanded significantly in 1931, thanks to a hefty financial contribution from local politicians and Aurora resident Ira Clifton Copley.
The expansion, which cost around $235,000, was designed by renowned architects Schmidt, Garden, and Erikson and featured limestone sheathing, classical pilasters, and other impressive features. In honor of Ira Clifton Copley’s generous contribution, the property was renamed Copley Memorial Hospital.
Years of Expansion and Impact
From the 1930s to the 1970s, Copley Hospital continued to grow, adding several new buildings to its campus. The hospital eventually covered an area of 341,000 square feet, encompassing seven different buildings.
Over the years, the hospital has been a significant healthcare provider in the greater Fox Valley area. It was not just a general hospital but also provided specialized care through its Cancer Care Center, Neuroscience Services, and Heart and Vascular Institute, among others.
The hospital’s Emergency Services also served nearly 70,000 patients annually, functioning as a designated Level II Trauma Center.
The Sunset of an Era
Sadly, in 1995, the original Copley Hospital facility was abandoned, ending its hundred years of service at the Lincoln Avenue location. Instead, the hospital moved to a new place, leaving the original building vacant.
The abandoned facility became a target for vandalism and damage, with mold and other contaminants severely affecting the building. The condition of the building deteriorated to such an extent that the City of Aurora sued the owners in 2017. The old hospital was in near-irreparable condition before redevelopment efforts began.
The Phoenix Rises: Revitalization and Restoration
Despite its state of decay, the old Copley Hospital was not forgotten. Starting in 2020, the property underwent a significant restoration process. After a nine-month cleanup operation, the site was professionally remediated and cleared of hazardous substances. The building, now registered with the National Register of Historic Places, embarked on a new chapter.
A New Dawn: Bardwell Residences and Bloomhaven Development
A new era began for the historic Copley Hospital with the birth of the Bardwell Residences and the more significant Bloomhaven development. In partnership with Fox Valley Developers, the City of Aurora embarked on an ambitious project to revitalize the blighted health facility, a relic erected in 1888.
The result was a transformative mixed-use development designed to provide essential services and amenities to diverse residents with different needs and abilities.
Bloomhaven is now home to two distinct and purposeful residential communities. The Weston Bridges, an unprecedented independent living community, caters to individuals with intellectual, cognitive, and developmental disabilities.
In parallel, Bardwell Senior Living Residences offers an independent living community dedicated to seniors, providing them with a comfortable and secure environment that respects their independence while offering the support they may need.
The Bloomhaven development extends beyond residential solutions. The East Aurora School District 131 has established its headquarters within the area, consolidating its operations to serve the community better.
A rich network of trails and walking paths weave through a five-acre park and playground, connecting Bloomhaven to the surrounding neighborhood and offering recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
This monumental project, championed by city officials and brought to life by Fox Valley Developers, represents a significant $129 million investment in Aurora’s Broadwell neighborhood. The transformation of the 330,000-square-foot health facility, which had stood vacant since the mid-1990s, into an innovative living community has revitalized the area.
The Legacy of Copley Hospital
The story of Copley Hospital is a testament to the ebb and flow of time, reflecting the changes and challenges of Aurora’s history. From its inception as a small 25-bed hospital to its expansion into a leading healthcare institution, its subsequent abandonment and decay, and its restoration and rebirth, Copley Hospital stands as a symbol of the city’s resilience.
As it begins its new life as the Bloomhaven development, it holds a special place in the heart of Aurora’s residents, serving as a poignant reminder of the city’s past, present, and future.