Aurora builder proposes to renovate, restore 1893 structure
This historic photo looking south on Hampton’s 3rd Street in 1915 shows the IOOF Opera House at right towering over the other buildings. It that time it was a bee hive of activity, hosting theatrical performances, concerts, lectures, dances and many other community events.
Just as the Hampton Village Board was preparing to take action to demolish the brick 1893 opera house several doors north of city hall, the building has received a sort of stay of execution. Aurora builder Erik Hanson appeared before the board at its monthly meeting on April 14 to propose that if he could acquire the building from owner Dan Klute, he would restore its structural integrity and make…
