Brewing company sets eyes on former Long Grove art gallery

A new brewery could be on tap for a former art studio and gallery space in downtown Long Grove.

The owner of Buffalo Creek Brewing LLC is proposing to open a brewery and taproom at the former Studio of Long Grove art gallery at 350 Old McHenry Road. The building has sat vacant since 2005, and the plan's approval would make it the first brewery in Long Grove's historic downtown.

While the property is not yet zoned to accommodate a brewery, Long Grove Village President Angie Underwood says village officials seem to have "pretty positive feelings" about the new business.

The owner of Buffalo Creek Brewing, Michael Marr of Vernon Hills, has a contract to purchase the building that is contingent on the zoning change.

Village trustees approved sending the zoning code amendments to the village plan commission on July 12. Underwood says the plan commission will have a recommendation ready for the board's September meeting.

At 10,300-square-feet, the former art gallery is a two-story building with a lower level. Preliminary project plans include a tap room, brewing area and packaging area. Eventually, a beer garden could be added.

The brewery would hook up to an extended village water system that is expected to be completed in the next month or so, Underwood said.

It would be located close to the Chatter Box of Long Grove, a restaurant that serves craft beer and small plates.

Underwood says the Chatter Box is often busy and patrons will wait for a table.

"Clearly the market is already there," she said.

Long Grove Village Planner Jim Hogue says the brewery could bring more business to the downtown area.

"It will hopefully bring people in on a regular basis and keep them coming back," Hogue said. "And it will hopefully attract more varied merchants and people."

Marr was out of town and unavailable for comment.