Unfortunately, there are no guarantees when it comes to redevelopment. “After 2 decades of broken promises, fantasy plans, forgotten dreams, downtown redevelopment in Aurora is underway,” the subhead went on to proclaim. “Tomorrow is here,” touted headlines on that much-anticipated opening, when local residents and dignitaries climbed onto Hollywood Casino-Aurora’s City of Lights boat to take that first gambling “cruise” on the Fox River. Had it not been for Hollywood Casino, I would never have found myself sitting across a small table from Willie Nelson on his bus after a show, hearing about his wild career. Staff got to do interviews with the likes of Frank Sinatra and Ann-Margret. Then came the star-studded grand opening in June of ‘93.
