Hobbs Building

Hobbs Building. . The Hobbs Building was constructed in 1895 by Levi Hull Waterhouse, from a design by James E. Minott. It is an excellent example of the Romanesque Revival architectural style. Dominated by a unique corner turret and onion dome (which was originally clad with copper shingles), large round arch windows, and tiers of projecting bay windows, the Hobbs Building is one of the most recognizable buildings in downtown Aurora. The same architect designed the Aurora Fire Station (1894), whose dome is similar to the one atop the Hobbs Building's center turret. , , The Hobbs Building was originally home to a furniture store, plus other small businesses and upper floor apartments. The Hobbs family had been active in the Aurora business community since Nathaniel Hobbs arrived in the 1860s. He founded the family furniture and undertaking business with the help of his fifteen-year-old son Albert. At the time it was very common for furniture dealers to sell coffins and act as undertakers. Many Aurorans remember that the Crosby's sports store was located here from 1952 until the early 1980s. , , [Caption for photo:] , A man dove from a platform atop the Hobbs Building into a wooden tub filled with water in this early 1900s stunt. As can be seen, the event drew a large crowd.