Aurora in Kane County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Block & Kuhl Store

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 3, 2026

1. Block & Kuhl Store Marker

Inscription. Before the birth of strip centers and shopping malls, many major department stores were located in downtown Aurora. Among these was the Block & Kuhl national department store. It became part of the Carson Pirie Scott chain in 1961, and continued as a downtown destination until the early 1980s, when it relocated to Northgate Mall. The building was constructed in 1928 by the Aurora Development Company. Note the fluted Corinthian pilasters, stylized urns, foliage, and other terra cotta ornnament, and the first floor transom prism glass.

[Caption below photo:]
This photograph of the Block store is from 1932. Note the display [?] windows showcasing store merchandise on the first floor of the building.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1928.

Location. 41° 45.499′ N, 88° 18.906′ W. Marker is in Aurora, Illinois, in Kane County. It is at the intersection of Galena Boulevard and Stolp Avenue, on the left when traveling east on Galena Boulevard. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Aurora IL 60505, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Aurora Hotel • Leland Hotel (a few steps from this marker); Leland Hotel (within

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shouting distance of this marker); Millennium Plaza (within shouting distance of this marker); The Illiniwek and “The Illinois Country” (within shouting distance of this marker); Millennium Tower (within shouting distance of this marker); Paramount Theatre (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Graham Building (about 300 feet away); Tivoli Theatre (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Aurora.

More about this marker. The marker is kitty-corner the building it references. It has a rust stain that is blocking parts of some words.

Regarding Block & Kuhl Store. Block & Kuhl was based on Peoria in Central Illinois. At the time of its sale to Carson's, it had about 20 stores in Illinois and Iowa.

Also see . . . Wikipedia: Block & Kuhl. (Submitted on May 4, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 3, 2026

2. Block & Kuhl Store Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 3, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on May 3, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. 2. submitted on May 4, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.