Batavia Building to Get $12M Renovation for New Aurora Software Company HQ

QT9 Software plans to move into the downtown Batavia building, with the city providing $1.9M in TIF funds for the project.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 4:23pm

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QT9, an Aurora-based software company, is planning to move its headquarters to a building in downtown Batavia that will undergo a $12 million renovation. The city has approved a redevelopment agreement that includes almost $1.9 million in tax increment financing (TIF) funds to help cover the renovation costs. The building, which previously housed a factory, will be transformed into QT9's new office space, expected to bring 65-70 new employees to the downtown area.

Why it matters

This project is seen as a 'game-changer' for Batavia's downtown, as it will bring a large employer to the area and potentially spur additional development like mixed-use buildings with apartments and public parking. The renovation of the historic 100-year-old building also preserves an important part of the city's industrial past.

The details

The building at 190 S. Water St. previously housed the Pamarco Co. factory for over a century before the company relocated. The $12 million renovation project will prepare the building for QT9 Software, an Aurora-based company that provides quality management and enterprise resource planning software, primarily for the manufacturing industry. The city is providing $1.9 million in TIF funds as an incentive, which will be reimbursed to the developer after the building is occupied. The agreement includes a clawback provision requiring QT9 to repay a portion of the incentive if it ceases operations at the site within six years.

  • The City Council approved the redevelopment agreement on Monday, February 3, 2026.
  • Construction on the $12 million renovation project is expected to begin within the next 90 days.
  • QT9 Software aims to occupy the new headquarters in late 2026 or early 2027.

The players

QT9 Software

An Aurora-based software company that provides quality management systems and enterprise resource planning software, primarily for the manufacturing industry.

Batavia City Council

The governing body of the City of Batavia that approved the redevelopment agreement for the 190 S. Water St. building.

BEI Commercial Real Estate

The company that currently owns the property at 190 S. Water St. and is a partner in the joint venture redeveloping the building.

Brant Engelhart

The founder and president of QT9 Software.

Laura Newman

The Batavia City Administrator who discussed the benefits of the project for the downtown area.

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What they’re saying

“What a cool story of a 100-plus-year-old building that was part of a windmill factory and a munitions factory during World War II, and now it's going to be on the cutting edge of technology.”

— Austin Dempsey, CEO of BEI Commercial Real Estate (The Beacon-News)

“Downtown Batavia is fun. There's restaurants everywhere to walk in, there's little shops, there's coffee shops … it's a great environment for my employees.”

— Brant Engelhart, Founder and President of QT9 Software (The Beacon-News)

“This is, I think, something that Batavia should be very proud of, that we've yet again saved one of the more historic areas and are continuing to do some very interesting things with (them).”

— Jeff Schielke, Mayor of Batavia (The Beacon-News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This project highlights Batavia's commitment to preserving its historic buildings and attracting new businesses to revitalize its downtown. The influx of 65-70 new employees from QT9 Software is expected to bring increased foot traffic and economic activity to the area, potentially spurring further development and investment in the city's core.