Elgin's vacant Prairie Rock Brewing sustains $11,000 damage from fire

A Monday night fire caused about $11,000 in damage to the shuttered Prairie Rock Brewing Co., officials confirmed Tuesday.

Elgin firefighters were called to the former restaurant at 127 S. Grove Ave. at 8:35 p.m. and arrived two minutes later to find fire in the beer garden - its tables and an overhang up in flames, Fire Chief John Henrici said.

The fire lapped over the wall and started the roofing material on fire as well, but firefighters were able to keep most of the fire contained to the exterior of the building, officials said.

Damage occurred to the exterior bar area and roofline, Henrici said. The interior sustained minor smoke and water damage.

No one was injured. Henrici said damage was estimated at $10,000 to the property and $1,000 to its contents.

He could not comment on the cause of the fire, or if it was arson. A source and cause of the fire is expected in the next couple days.

Prairie Rock closed in February after 13 years in Elgin.

Over the years, city officials threw their weight and money behind Prairie Rock, hoping it could be a cornerstone in the redevelopment of downtown. The city gave it a $220,000 incentive to open the $1.5 million location in 1995.

In 2001, business slowed and the owners focused on the pub area. Restaurant officials received a $134,000 city grant to help it stay afloat.

In May 2004, owners unveiled a concept called the Prairie Street Chophouse, where diners could grill their own steaks and seafood and bake their own bread. But that venture lasted only a year.

Founder Mike Origer told the Daily Herald in late February he was undecided on whether to sell or lease the 17,000-square-foot building, but believed it was ripe for a new concept.

"It's a great spot for a restaurant," he said. "It's just time for a change."

• Daily Herald Staff writers Amie Shak and Harry Hitzeman contributed to this report.