Aurora Oregon

Aurora, Oregon’s Kasel Court: Today’s Peaceful Neighborhood Was Once A War Zone

Kasel Court is one of Aurora, Oregon’s most desirable neighborhoods — spacious homes, large lots, quiet cul-de-sac living and easy I-5 access. But the peaceful streets of Kasel Court hide a surprising past. When developer Rudy Kasel proposed building Kasel Court, the town of Aurora, Oregon pushed back. The city’s historic district designation — earned in 1974 — placed rules on any new development near Aurora’s most cherished landmarks. Kasel’s proposed site sat adjacent to the venerable Keil homestead, home of Aurora’s founder Dr. Wilhelm Keil, making the battle even more charged.

What followed was a clash between one developer’s vision and a city determined to protect its historic identity. Aurora’s mayor stepped in, seeking compromise and convening workshops to find common ground between Rudy Kasel and the city’s preservation interests.

In the end, Kasel Court was built — and speaks for itself, with quality construction and a desirable location that makes this one of Aurora, Oregon’s finest neighborhoods. Available homes here are rare, so if you see an available Kasel Court home for sale, it may not last for long.

Aurora, Oregon Is In The News

A recent KGW-TV Channel 8 news story reported by Grant McOmie focuses on the history behind Aurora, Oregon. 

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Click photo to view KGW-TV report on Aurora. Image courtesy of KGW-TV News.

Click here or on the photos to view the complete report on Aurora, Oregon history.

Aurora Oregon
Click photo to view KGW-TV news report on Aurora.

Aurora Colony Museum Turns 50!

A local newspaper reports 2013 is a big year for the Aurora Colony Museum. That’s due in part to this being the 50th anniversary of the Aurora Colony Historical Society.

Read the recent article on Aurora Colony history and upcoming celebrations here!

Dr. William Keil
Headstone of Dr. William Keil, founder of Aurora, Oregon

Aurora Property Sells For 1.4 Million

A local Aurora, Oregon landmark recently sold for well over a million dollars, according to reliable sources.

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Big Red Barn at Aurora I-5 Interchange

The 18+ acre property includes an older home, numerous buildings and a big red barn.  The address is 26444 NE Butteville Road, just west of the I-5 Freeway at the Charbonneau exit.

Once known as the Edwards Farm and later the Van Doozer property, records show the new owner is BL & DJ LLC, which appears to share an affiliation with Bob Lanphere auto dealerships. The real estate transaction occurred in late September.

Currently zoned for agricultural use, no word has yet been made public regarding possible future plans for the property.

Aurora’s Historic Keil Cemetery

One of Aurora, Oregon’s best-kept secrets is perhaps its most historic.  That’s because Keil Cemetery is situated off the graveled and little-used Cole Road near Aurora’s west side.

Aurora Oregon
Dr. Wilhelm Keil’s Headstone

Founder Wilhelm Keil is buried here, as are his family members.  Especially noteworthy is the burial site of Dr. Keil’s daughter Aurora and the town’s namesake.  Learn more about fascinating Aurora history here at the Aurora Colony website.

Aurora Oregon

Here’s also a video link about a visit to the Keil Cemetery.