Back Home at Last, Aurora Rents Settling Into New Digs

Aurora Rents opened its new 24,000-square-foot building in early August at 175th St. and Aurora Ave. North several years after leaving that location to make way for the Aurora Corridor Project.

The business returns to the original site of the original Aurora Rents, a third-generation family business which was opened in 1962 by Richard Johnson, grandfather of current owner Dave Steele of Seattle.

"We're still in the process of moving and getting everything situated," Dave Steele said. "The building is going to help out in the future."

The recession that started in late 2007 impacted Aurora Rents like many businesses but things have started to improve the last couple years, Steele said.

"We're not where we were five years ago, but we're gaining on it," he said.

Being displaced by the Aurora construction wasn't easy on the business either—the old building had to be torn down and Aurora Rents moved to a temporary location on 192nd St. and Aurora. In the short-term the Aurora Corridor project made things difficult, but "I think ultimately, it will be better for businesses," Steele said of the project.

The business is ending summer on a high note, Steele said, renting out items for end of summer projects. People are renting sanders and pressure washers for their decks and paint sprayers to paint their homes. 

Aurora Rents has a variety of items for rent ranging from karoake machines for parties, small wedding items, outdoor movie kits and projectors.

"We're glad to be back on this corner," Steele said. "Hopefully, we'll see the business grow because of the property."