The soon-to-be owners of America's Historic Roundhouse restaurant and entertainment complex in Aurora say it was hard to resist the chance to operate in a historic downtown building that dates to the mid-19th century.

"It's a spectacular space," said Jason Ebel, who's acquiring the Roundhouse along with his brother Jim. "It has historical significance. It's got a beautiful courtyard. We just love the space."

But the Ebels, who already operate the successful Warrenville-based Two Brothers Brewery and Tap House, are also hardheaded realists with plans to improve the business and its chances for success.

Pending approval by a federal bankruptcy judge, they'll take over a 70,000-square-foot restaurant, brewery and entertainment complex on busy North Broadway in downtown Aurora.

"It's a very unique opportunity, and I think it's got a lot of potential," Jim Ebel said. "There are improvements that we can bring to the facility, the food quality, the beer quality, training staff and doing some little minor remodeling projects. … I don't think anything's ever been done (since the mid-1990s). So it needs a little face-lift."

Featuring a limestone exterior with modern restaurant, bars and banquet facilities inside, the 155-year-old circular structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In April, the Ebels announced plans to purchase the Roundhouse from Scott Ascher. The Aurora businessman redeveloped the former railroad roundhouse as an entertainment complex in partnership with retired Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton. Since its opening in 1996, the complex has been a popular destination for drinks, dining, banquets and entertainment.

Ascher filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this year, and the Ebels stand to gain ownership in an estimated $1.1 million transaction.

The brothers have tossed around numerous ideas for their renamed Two Brothers Roundhouse, but they won't move forward until the sale becomes official. Some initial plans include improved parking, an upgraded courtyard, landscaping and interior renovations.

Local business officials are delighted with the prospects of a reinvigorated Roundhouse.

"I think the experience that Two Brothers has and (their) great following will just continue to raise that venue's level," said Joe Henning, president and CEO of the Aurora Regional Chamber of Commerce.

"It's definitely one of the top destinations in the city, and to continue to promote that and bring visitors to Aurora, we're very fortunate and very happy."

New ownership will also have broader benefits for a reviving downtown.

"It's one of the gems of the downtown area; it's a perfect fit," Henning said. "We have a restaurant row going, and that's an anchor on one end. The other plus is that City Council approved a contract to begin the River's Edge park across the street. The two of them going forward is going to add to the excitement and things to do."

The structure dates to 1856 and was once part of a facility in which railroad cars were constructed and serviced. The rail shops closed in 1974, and most of the complex was demolished, leaving the Roundhouse intact but empty.

Ascher and three partners, including Payton, took over the property in 1995 and embarked on extensive rehabilitation of the decaying site.

It opened the next year as Walter Payton's Roundhouse, and also included a brewery and a Payton museum containing memorabilia from the career of the National Football League Hall of Famer and from the 1985 Super Bowl championship season.

Payton died of a rare liver disease in 1999, and his estate pulled out of the partnership in 2010. Financial difficulties, late payments of taxes and payments to vendors, and not enough business led Ascher to file for bankruptcy reorganization earlier this year.

"It's a very difficult time for us and a very difficult time for the city," Ascher said at a February liquor commission hearing over a series of past-due obligations. "The amount of money coming in isn't enough to pay the bills."

The Ebels' Two Brothers Brewing Co., founded in 1996, will continue to operate in a 40,000-square-foot combination bar, restaurant, brewery and distribution center in a secluded industrial park several blocks north of Butterfield Road in Warrenville.

Some of its craft brews — such as Domaine DuPage and Ebel's Weiss Beer — could also be offered in Aurora. Existing Roundhouse equipment could also be used for in-house brewing.

The Ebels hope to launch their Roundhouse by late June.