Aroma Park Couple Vows to Rebuild After Tornado Devastation

Allen and Brenda Gray plan to reconstruct their home in the same neighborhood despite losing walls, windows, and their roof.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 11:25pm

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Two days after an EF3 tornado ravaged their home and hundreds of other buildings in Kankakee County, an Aroma Park couple is already planning to rebuild their house, determined to remain in the neighborhood they love despite the extensive damage.

Why it matters

The Grays' decision to rebuild in Aroma Park highlights the resilience of the community in the face of a natural disaster, as residents band together to recover and restore a sense of normalcy to the area.

The details

Allen and Brenda Gray's home on Shaftsbury Road was severely damaged by the tornado, with the couple losing walls, windows, their roof, and their garage. Despite the devastation, they are committed to reconstructing their house on the same lot, not wanting to leave the subdivision they have called home for 17 years.

  • The tornado struck on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
  • The Grays are currently staying in hotels as they search for longer-term housing.

The players

Allen Gray

A resident of Aroma Park who has lived in the neighborhood for 17 years with his wife, Brenda.

Brenda Gray

Allen Gray's wife, who is planning to rebuild their home in Aroma Park alongside her husband.

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What they’re saying

“Lots of nails out here. Looks like a warzone.”

— Allen Gray

“We knew it was coming. We got the warnings, but you know how you think, 'I got a lot of time.'”

— Brenda Gray

“Once it stopped and cleared, I went upstairs and tried to survey the damage. I mean, immediately, once I got upstairs, I could see the house opening from the roof, from the front of the house, and all over.”

— Allen Gray

“I made a joke. It's not funny, but I was telling my husband I wanted to knock out a few walls and add a couple of spaces, enlarge my kitchen. So, I guess we get to do that at this point.”

— Brenda Gray

What’s next

The Grays are currently searching for longer-term housing as they work with their insurance provider to begin the rebuilding process on their Aroma Park home.

The takeaway

The Grays' determination to rebuild in the same neighborhood they have called home for nearly two decades demonstrates the resilience and community spirit of Aroma Park residents in the face of a devastating natural disaster. Their story serves as an inspiration for others who have lost their homes and are seeking to restore a sense of normalcy to their lives.