BEI Commercial Real Estate is proud to announce that we will be recognized by the Batavia Chamber of Commerce with an OLE Award in the Commercial Remodel Category at the Inspire Awards Dinner on April 23, 2026. This award honors BEI’s work on the Kane County Economic Development Corporation (KCEDC) office renovation, located within the Tower Business Center in downtown Batavia.
This meaningful recognition celebrates not only a successful renovation and reinvestment in one of Batavia’s most historically significant commercial properties, but also the thoughtful collaboration between ownership, design, construction, and a tenant whose mission plays a vital role in Kane County’s economic growth.
A Landmark with Deep Industrial Roots
The Tower Business Center occupies a site that has played a central role in Batavia’s history for more than a century. Originally constructed in 1863, the limestone buildings at 28 S. Water Street and 143 First Street were part of Batavia’s thriving windmill manufacturing industry, serving as a production facility for the United States Wind Engine & Pump Company—one of the city’s most influential early manufacturers.
Batavia was nationally recognized as a center for windmill production in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and the Water Street complex contributed directly to that legacy. During World War II, the property was repurposed for military production, further underscoring its importance at both a local and national level. In the decades that followed, the site underwent substantial reinvestment and adaptive reuse, ultimately evolving into what is now known today as the Tower Business Center—a multi‑tenant office hub that supports professional services, nonprofits, and community‑focused organizations.
The building’s timeless limestone construction, original architectural details, and prominent downtown location along the Fox River remain defining features, making it a cornerstone of Batavia’s historic downtown district.
The Renovation: Preserving History While Supporting Growth
Construction on the KCEDC office renovation began in March 2025 and was completed in October 2025. The project was designed to modernize the interior space while respecting the historic integrity of the building.
Project partners included:
The renovation focused on:
Careful coordination ensured the finished space balanced historic character with modern efficiency, allowing the building to continue serving as an anchor for economic activity in downtown Batavia.
Welcoming the Kane County Economic Development Corporation
The completed renovation coincided with the Kane County Economic Development Corporation’s occupancy of the space—an ideal tenant for a building so deeply connected to economic progress. KCEDC serves as a vital regional resource, working to:
Locating KCEDC within the Tower Business Center reinforces downtown Batavia’s role as a hub for leadership, innovation, and regional economic collaboration.
A Project That Honors the Past and Invests in the Future
This award‑winning renovation is more than a commercial remodel—it is a continuation of the Tower Business Center’s long tradition of adaptation, reinvestment, and service to the community. From its origins as a windmill factory to its current role supporting economic development, the building remains a living part of Batavia’s story.
BEI Commercial Real Estate is honored to have played a role in this next chapter and to receive recognition from the Batavia Chamber of Commerce through the OLE Award.
BEI Commercial Real Estate extends its sincere thanks to:
We are honored to celebrate this achievement at the Inspire Awards Dinner and proud to have played a role in creating a space that supports KCEDC’s important work across Kane County.
At BEI Commercial Real Estate, projects like the KCEDC office renovation reflect our broader commitment to thoughtful investment, historic preservation, and long-term value creation. Our team provides comprehensive commercial real estate services including property ownership and management, leasing, tenant coordination, and redevelopment of legacy assets throughout Kane County and the greater Fox Valley region. We take pride in partnering with municipalities, tenants, and community organizations to deliver spaces that support economic growth and strengthen downtowns.
