In a vibrant presentation at the Aurora Committee of the Whole meeting, a new entertainment venue called Rec House was unveiled, promising to transform Downtown Aurora into a lively hub of social activity. The concept, presented by an experienced entrepreneur from the coin-operated amusement industry, aims to blend a dynamic bar atmosphere with a variety of games and activities, all while supporting local businesses.

Rec House will occupy the second floor of Society 57, a space that has remained vacant for years. The venue will feature an array of games, including bocce ball, shuffleboard, and pinball, alongside a self-service tap wall offering 24 local craft beers and ciders. The design will maintain the building's historic charm, showcasing its wooden ceilings and brick walls.

The entrepreneur emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming environment for both locals and visitors, encouraging patrons to explore nearby restaurants before or after their visit. With plans for weekly leagues and tournaments, Rec House aims to draw crowds during the week, particularly on traditionally quieter nights like Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Operating hours are set to be 3 PM to midnight on weekdays and 11 AM to 1 AM on weekends, with the potential for adjustments based on demand. While the venue will not have a full kitchen, it will offer pre-packaged snacks and allow guests to bring in food from local eateries, fostering a collaborative spirit with the community.

The target opening date for Rec House is June 1, 2025, and the entrepreneur expressed optimism about the venue's potential to enhance the downtown experience, inviting residents from surrounding areas to rediscover Aurora's evolving landscape. As the meeting concluded, excitement buzzed in the air, with city officials and residents alike eager to see this new concept come to life.