Prairie House restaurant annexed to Buffalo Grove
Residents of unincorporated Prairie View will now have to go to Buffalo Grove to frequent a popular local hangout - though they'll still only have to cross the street.
The Prairie House Restaurant, 23068 Main St., is being annexed to nearby Buffalo Grove, and will fall under the village's B-3 zoning business district. A total of 0.7 acres, including adjoining property to the building, is being annexed.
The restaurant and bar will receive village police and fire protection, and be linked to village water and sewer lines.
Gary Gilliam, Prairie House's general manager, said it was "fairly pricey" for the restaurant to pay for its own well and septic tank for water treatment. Now it'll pay Buffalo Grove $57,976.81 to be connected to the village systems, according to an agreement between the two parties.
Deputy Village Manager Ghida Neukirch said that money - a recapture fee - would go back to Vernon Township, which extended utilities to serve the area.
Buffalo Grove is reimbursing the restaurant with 0.5 percent of the village's 1 percent home rule sales and food and beverage taxes for one year up to a maximum of $15,000 - whichever comes first.
The restaurant has hosted karaoke, baggo tournaments, volleyball games, fish boils, and outdoor barbecues. With its proximity to the Prairie View Metra station across the street, the restaurant and bar are busiest on Friday nights, and have large lunch crowds during weekdays.
In addition, Prairie House has hosted bands outside. The agreement stipulates that outdoor live music is only allowed until 10 p.m. - and amplification speakers must be turned off an hour earlier.
Gilliam said the restaurant would be laying concrete and fencing in garbage bins in response to resident complaints about trash scattered around the area. Under the agreement, garbage collection would be allowed between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
A boat of one of the restaurant's owners that is being stored on the property will be removed per resident and village request, Gilliam said.
Restaurant owners plan to apply for a Buffalo Grove liquor license. Prairie House would be open until 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 2 a.m. on weekends.
The restaurant has operated under the current owners for almost four years. The building, originally a farm house, is more than 80 years old, Gilliam said.