Posie's Flowers & Gifts, the downtown Aurora floral shop owned by Pleasant Rowland, closed its doors Friday.
The shutdown comes as part of the transition plan established by the Aurora Foundation and Wells College, foundation executive director Katie Waller said Friday.
Earlier this year, the college announced that it is taking over from the foundation management of the commercial properties it owns in the village, which included the space at 381 Main St. that houses Posie's.
The foundation, which is funded and controlled by Rowland, had managed the portfolio of commercial properties since 2001.
Waller said the closure of Posie's should not surprise anyone since it was part of the transition plan, although the press release issued by the college at the time the management transfer was announced made no mention of the business shutting down.
In fact, it said Rowland had established a $2 million fund for the college to maintain the commercial facilities and support their operations.
Aurora resident Leonard Jordan disputes the notion that the closure was publicized long ago. He said his wife works at the shop, and she wasn't notified until a few days ago.
“I think she wanted just wanted it to go into the sunset quietly,” he said of Waller.
Efforts have begun to find a replacement for Posie's, Waller said. She said Wells College is handling the search for a new tenant.
“It's my understanding that there have been some inquiries and people interested,” she said.
She referred further questions about leasing to Diane Hutchinson, Wells College vice president and treasurer. She could not be reached Friday for comment.
On June 1, the college officially assumes management of the properties that house Aurora Inn, E.B. Morgan House, Village Market, Pizzaurora, Fargo Bar & Grill and Posie's. The only business that has shut down among that group is Posie's.
Rowland's involvement in Aurora's downtown has come under fire from some village residents, who believe the benefactor from Wisconsin has pushed out other business owners to create her vision of what Aurora should be.
Waller said she would be surprised if those critics had a problem with Posie's shutting down, since Rowland is the person who owns that business.
“Here's a space for someone to come in and lease from the college,” she said.
Earlier this year, the college announced that it is taking over from the foundation management of the commercial properties it owns in the village, which included the space at 381 Main St. that houses Posie's.
The foundation, which is funded and controlled by Rowland, had managed the portfolio of commercial properties since 2001.
Waller said the closure of Posie's should not surprise anyone since it was part of the transition plan, although the press release issued by the college at the time the management transfer was announced made no mention of the business shutting down.
In fact, it said Rowland had established a $2 million fund for the college to maintain the commercial facilities and support their operations.
Aurora resident Leonard Jordan disputes the notion that the closure was publicized long ago. He said his wife works at the shop, and she wasn't notified until a few days ago.
“I think she wanted just wanted it to go into the sunset quietly,” he said of Waller.
Efforts have begun to find a replacement for Posie's, Waller said. She said Wells College is handling the search for a new tenant.
“It's my understanding that there have been some inquiries and people interested,” she said.
She referred further questions about leasing to Diane Hutchinson, Wells College vice president and treasurer. She could not be reached Friday for comment.
On June 1, the college officially assumes management of the properties that house Aurora Inn, E.B. Morgan House, Village Market, Pizzaurora, Fargo Bar & Grill and Posie's. The only business that has shut down among that group is Posie's.
Rowland's involvement in Aurora's downtown has come under fire from some village residents, who believe the benefactor from Wisconsin has pushed out other business owners to create her vision of what Aurora should be.
Waller said she would be surprised if those critics had a problem with Posie's shutting down, since Rowland is the person who owns that business.
“Here's a space for someone to come in and lease from the college,” she said.
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