Anyone see this? I'm a Cubs fan, but still very exciting!!
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/suburbs/oak_park_river_forest_forest_park/community/chi-ugc-article-big-hurt-brew-house-coming-soon-to-berwyns-m-2013-04-17,0,1787138.story (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/suburbs/oak_park_river_forest_forest_park/community/chi-ugc-article-big-hurt-brew-house-coming-soon-to-berwyns-m-2013-04-17,0,1787138.story)
Big Hurt Brew House Coming Soon to Berwyn's Main Street
11:18 a.m. CDT, April 17, 2013
Big Hurt Brew House (www.bighurtbeer.com (http://www.bighurtbeer.com)) will transform an underutilized corner into a new destination for Chicagoland craft beer enthusiasts and sports fans alike. This past week, the Berwyn City Council approved a redevelopment agreement for Big Hurt Brew House, a new microbrewery, sports bar and grill. The development will be an adaptive reuse of the historic bank building located at 6801 W Cermak Road, which intersects at Oak Park Avenue. "Establishing a microbrew operation is an ideal use for this unique property and having Heidner Properties and Big Hurt Beer in the project will take it to an extraordinary level," commented Anthony Griffin, Executive Director of the Berwyn Development Corporation (BDC), who also structured the deal for the City of Berwyn.
The flagship brew house will be operated by Frank "Big Hurt" Thomas, legendary Chicago White Sox first baseman and heavy hitter, who launched his line of specialty brew – Big Hurt Beer – in the Fall of 2011. The brand currently offers an Imperial Lager and recently launched MVP, an All-American lager.
Mayor Robert J. Lovero remarked, "Big Hurt Brew House will be a dynamic addition to Cermak Road both for our residents and as an attraction for visitors. This development will grow the momentum that we've already created with Berwyn Gateway Plaza to the west. We have many great things happening to our Main Street."
Big Hurt Brew House will brew for on-site operations as well as distribution to other retail locations. The restaurant, beer garden and sports bar will offer a family-friendly environment with planned promotions such as athlete appearances and on-site live broadcasts of sporting events. The development team, led by Rick Heidner, is currently in the design phase with a completion date estimated in late 2013 or early 2014. Heidner finished, "I am very excited to be part of an amazing redevelopment and am honored to work with Frank Thomas and the City of Berwyn."
Quote from: B60402 on April 18, 2013, 10:19:04 PM
Anyone see this? I'm a Cubs fan, but still very exciting!!
Good to see the Trib pick up on the story. Let's hope this doesn't turn into another empty promise for OP and Cermak
There was a discussion of this on another thread in BTF:
http://www.berwyntalk.com/smf/index.php?topic=13075.0 (http://www.berwyntalk.com/smf/index.php?topic=13075.0)
Once again common sense makes me question the timeframe mentioned...
Hmmmmm....., no talk about how much money the city had to throw at him. Is the developer who rehabbed the building still involved? Do they still own it? Who owns the property now Mr. Griffin? There seem to be more unanswered questions than answered ones.
Quote from: Mike Phelan on April 20, 2013, 05:29:03 PM
Hmmmmm....., no talk about how much money the city had to throw at him. Is the developer who rehabbed the building still involved? Do they still own it? Who owns the property now Mr. Griffin? There seem to be more unanswered questions than answered ones.
According to the documents in the CC Agenda, the developers (6801 WEST CERMAK LLC) are purchasing the property for $200,001. $200,000 for the property west of the bank and $1 for the bank.
Earnest money is $50,000 and was due into an escrow account on April 16.
Closing date is July 9, 2013.
Expected occupancy date is January 9, 2014.
The contract states that the developer must spend at a minimum $1.25 million dollars in development.
There is a $25,000 penalty if dates are not met.
6801 WEST CERMAK LLC is managed by Rick Heider. Here is the information about it from State of Illinois site:
Entity Name 6801 WEST CERMAK, LLC
File Number 04344782
Status ACTIVE
On 04/08/2013
Entity Type LLC
Type of LLC Domestic
File Date 04/08/2013
Jurisdiction IL
Agent Name CHRISTOPHER J. GOLUBA
Agent Change Date 04/08/2013
Agent Street Address 399 WALL ST STE H
Principal Office 399 WALL STREET, UNIT H, GLENDALE HEIGHTS, IL 601390000
Agent City GLENDALE HEIGHTS
Management Type MGR View
Agent Zip 60139
Duration PERPETUAL
Annual Report Filing Date 00/00/0000 For Year
Series Name NOT AUTHORIZED TO ESTABLISH SERIES
The pins of the lots are:
16-30-104-003-0000
16-30-104-004-0000
16-30-104-005-0000
16-30-104-006-0000
16-30-104-007-0000
16-30-104-008-0000
16-30-104-009-0000
16-30-104-023-0000
16-30-104-024-0000
16-30-104-042-0000
16-30-104-043-0000
Most of the above properties had a "Vacation" order in late 2009 except for 024 or 042. Most of the above property is owned by Berwyn Center LLC.
Here is the information about Berwyn Center LLC. It appears to have "involuntary dissolution" in 2012:
Entity Name BERWYN CENTER, LLC
File Number 02019671
Status INVOLUNTARY DISSOLUTION
On 05/11/2012
Entity Type LLC
Type of LLC Domestic
File Date 11/13/2006
Jurisdiction IL
Agent Name FRED GONZALEZ
Agent Change Date 03/10/2010
Agent Street Address 2520 S OAKLEY AVE C1
Principal Office 2520 S OAKLEY AVE C1, CHICAGO, IL 60608
Agent City CHICAGO
Management Type MBR View
Agent Zip 60608
Duration PERPETUAL
Annual Report Filing Date 00/00/0000 For Year 2011
Series Name NOT AUTHORIZED TO ESTABLISH SERIES
I heard that Home Run Inn Pizza is going to take up some of the space too! ;)
Quote from: MindoverMatter on November 21, 2013, 01:04:36 PM
I heard that Home Run Inn Pizza is going to take up some of the space too! ;)
At our last ward meeting the mayor said HRI is building in the lot next to it. :usa:
There has been quite a bit of activity including some heavy equipment operating there. This might actually happen!
Frank Thomas will be on the Score 670AM in a bit. Wonder if he'll mention anything?
There is activity there. They'be busted thru and put new doors in on the west side of the building... :coreyhart:
Wondering what was / is being done with the architectural artifacts that had been piled against the bank building. Would really hate to think of them being tossed.
Quote from: Sandy on December 01, 2013, 09:22:10 AM
Wondering what was / is being done with the architectural artifacts that had been piled against the bank building. Would really hate to think of them being tossed.
Who gives a shit about artifacts, it was a frickin bank not the vatican!! If your cities history revolves around a bank that has been empty for 4 decades your city is in sad shape. Be happy the biggest eyesore in the area is finally being cleaned up and bringing in tax revenue.
Interesting,Berwyn is in sad shape?
I hear it has taxes and crime now.
Quote from: markberwyn on December 01, 2013, 12:30:20 PM
I hear it has taxes and crime now.
And some are indistinguishable from the other.
Quote from: berwyn senator on December 01, 2013, 12:09:05 PM
Interesting,Berwyn is in sad shape?
That can't be right..... :o
Quote from: mustang54 on December 01, 2013, 11:01:42 AM
Quote from: Sandy on December 01, 2013, 09:22:10 AM
Wondering what was / is being done with the architectural artifacts that had been piled against the bank building. Would really hate to think of them being tossed.
Who gives a shit about artifacts, it was a frickin bank not the vatican!! If your cities history revolves around a bank that has been empty for 4 decades your city is in sad shape. Be happy the biggest eyesore in the area is finally being cleaned up and bringing in tax revenue.
+1 !
Quote from: mustang54 on December 01, 2013, 11:01:42 AM
Quote from: Sandy on December 01, 2013, 09:22:10 AM
Wondering what was / is being done with the architectural artifacts that had been piled against the bank building. Would really hate to think of them being tossed.
Who gives a shit about artifacts, it was a frickin bank not the vatican!! If your cities history revolves around a bank that has been empty for 4 decades your city is in sad shape. Be happy the biggest eyesore in the area is finally being cleaned up and bringing in tax revenue.
Careful...all of those "We need to preserve" people will start up. Considering that preserving in Berwyn fails , I am one for tearing that whole thing down and rebuilding. It's been one fail after another so if people wanted "preserve" so badly,they did nothing to prove it.
HOME RUN INN BRING IT ON!
Quote from: justme on December 02, 2013, 07:44:01 PM
HOME RUN INN BRING IT ON!
100% hell yeah!
Now I'll be able to use those coupons I always get by email. And stay fat forever. :oink:
If there are indeed architectural artifacts work saving, I hope Salvage One picks them up for someone else to purchase and use.
Salvage One is overrun with artifacts worth saving. There are lots more people interested in getting rid of "stuff" than people interested in buying it. It's got to be pretty special to get the architectural salvage folks to take it, even for free.
Quote from: B o n s t e r on December 02, 2013, 11:02:26 PM
Now I'll be able to use those coupons I always get by email. And stay fat forever. :oink:
Right on, brother! :oink:
Quote from: justme on December 02, 2013, 07:44:01 PM
Quote from: mustang54 on December 01, 2013, 11:01:42 AM
Quote from: Sandy on December 01, 2013, 09:22:10 AM
Wondering what was / is being done with the architectural artifacts that had been piled against the bank building. Would really hate to think of them being tossed.
Who gives a shit about artifacts, it was a frickin bank not the vatican!! If your cities history revolves around a bank that has been empty for 4 decades your city is in sad shape. Be happy the biggest eyesore in the area is finally being cleaned up and bringing in tax revenue.
Careful...all of those "We need to preserve" people will start up. Considering that preserving in Berwyn fails , I am one for tearing that whole thing down and rebuilding. It's been one fail after another so if people wanted "preserve" so badly,they did nothing to prove it.
HOME RUN INN BRING IT ON!
I happen to think Berwyn is a nice place to live, unlike so many who complain about it. But seriously, "tear the whole thing down?" There's no reason the bank building can't be preserved even with re-development. If the Home Run Pizza is indeed built in the vacant lot next door (allowing those interested to remain fat as desired), my hope is that the Frank Thomas folks are tasteful in how the Big Hurt concept is built out. It could look really beautiful if done right.
The Walgreens in the city at Damen and North Avenue is a good example of how an old bank building can be rehabbed into a new business while still preserving much of the architecture. Berwyn's very few historic buildings deserve the same chance, and I hope things work out for this bank building.
(And I hope Big Hurt doesn't turn out to be another Riddles Comedy Club. The only joke there was on the taxpayers.)
Was that a complaint? About Riddles Comedy club being a joke on taxpayers!
The owner of Riddles was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer soon after it opened I believe. Not a joking matter.
life is so short.
There is work being done on the bank building. Several new sets of doors and windows have been added to the west side of the building...
There's a lot more happening on the bank building now. They've begun an addition on the west side of the building now...
They're working 7 days a week on that building. And it all looks legit, from a distance. This shit might happen.
Well he sure was talking it up quite a bit during his interview on ESPN radio Friday afternoon. Along with his beer, sounded like he was really into that as well.
EVERYONE in the area should be happy the two biggest eyesores and wastes of prime property are going to finally be fixed. The old bank on Oak Park and 22nd and the old Berwyn Finer Foods store across from the hospital. I've said for MANY years on this site that bank is the key to revitalizing that area. The food store across from the hospital will do well if its anything like their store was in the plaza. I really think both locations will do really well for their owners. Good luck to both of them!
Quote from: mustang54 on March 24, 2014, 01:25:51 PM
EVERYONE in the area should be happy the two biggest eyesores and wastes of prime property are going to finally be fixed. The old bank on Oak Park and 22nd and the old Berwyn Finer Foods store across from the hospital. I've said for MANY years on this site that bank is the key to revitalizing that area. The food store across from the hospital will do well if its anything like their store was in the plaza. I really think both locations will do really well for their owners. Good luck to both of them!
Soon as they open - first rounds on me!
It seems like work on this has come to a screeching halt! Anybody know what's up? He talked about being open for opening day.......
We haven't seen ANY activity there in a month. The first week of April a contractor showed up and collected his material -a trailer load of plywood and studs and rolled out, the next day the half empty dumpster was picked up. since then, no developers, contractors ...no one. They had crews out working when temps were still in the teens, but since the thaw... nothing. I find that very odd. I would think that the principals involved would be doing a site visit every week or so, or some sub contractors showing up to do "take offs" especially with all of the site/base work to be done, even if there are snafu's with the build-out itself, time is money, especially in the spring/summer months
The only reason I'm adding my $0.02 is that we live on that block of Grove, and I've been in construction 20+ yrs.
So im thinking this "screeching halt" cant be good, but i guess time will tell, I'm still hoping for the best.
Sure doesn't look good driving past...no work or signs of life at all.
Quote from: Cermakplaza on May 27, 2014, 11:11:14 AM
Sure doesn't look good driving past...no work or signs of life at all.
Da da dum dum dum, another one bites the dust? Who qualifies these big shot buyers 3 rd graders? Quit fartin around and knock the damn eyesoar down!
Quote from: mustang54 on May 27, 2014, 12:11:44 PM
Quote from: Cermakplaza on May 27, 2014, 11:11:14 AM
Sure doesn't look good driving past...no work or signs of life at all.
Da da dum dum dum, another one bites the dust? Who qualifies these big shot buyers 3 rd graders? Quit fartin around and knock the damn eyesoar down!
Exactly. Every time there's a "big project in the works" for that corner I don't even think twice because as we have seen, it doesn't happen. I don't believe any of it and won't until the day I walk through the doors of a new business there.
Actually all this week they've been working again. They have a lot of equipment for sewers (maybe?) in the lot and there's been trucks driving in and out again. Oh, and there's a new port a potty there as well so either they're back at it or someone is trying to add a bathroom onto their house on the cheap.
I saw that activity too, but hard to tell if it's related to that project or if the lot is being used to store stuff for another project. Time will tell...
Maybe the construction was stopped because they have to wait for utility or plumbing work to be done outside of the building?
That's what I thought as well - or maybe inspections that were taking a while because it's a big project.
After all the delays the Berwyn Building Department causes homeowners for small projects, I can only imagine what they expect for something this big. But then again, the project at Cermak and Harlem went in pretty quickly...
There's digging going on within the fenced area. That's a good sign...
Quote from: mom on May 28, 2014, 06:57:09 AM
After all the delays the Berwyn Building Department causes homeowners for small projects, I can only imagine what they expect for something this big. But then again, the project at Cermak and Harlem went in pretty quickly...
The city pushes the big things like this VERY fast and that includes waiving fees, etc.
Does it look like anything is happening here?
They are doing something for drainage, maybe, throughout the whole lot. They've had a crane working the past couple of weeks, moving around large concrete cylinders and they are burying them underground, horizontally. They're maybe 6 foot around and 10 foot tall. I think they have maybe 12 of them buried already. Not sure what they are for. I can get a pic if someone else can figure out what they're doing because I'm interested.
But, they are back to work.
JD
They are probably part of the new requirement in Illinois to take care of water runoff and keep as much out of the sewer system as possible. They will most likely sit under the parking lot and collect rainwater and store it underground. I've seen huge pre-fabricated concrete ones put under WalMart parking lots and such.
It's storm water detention piping
Sure looks like nothing is going on?
When I drove past a couple days ago I thought I saw more brick being delivered near where the work had stopped on that new addition...
Hopefully he's not about to put the big hurt on the taxpayers!
Just went past the building and they are working again!! The lights were on inside and they were working on the new entrance. Also was nice to see signs in the window that said Big Hurt Brewhouse! If he gets this finished he will be a big time hall of famer to Berwyn residents
Hopefully he doesn't strike out with the bases juiced.
Quite a bit of exterior progress...there's a parking lot!
Yeah, it finally looks like it's really happening.
I noticed the progress yesterday, As Hawk would say You can say You can put it on the board YES! :usa:
Noticed that BHB has a facebook page and is also on instagram. Both provide a couple pics of the interior. Work is progressing, it appears, but a lot left to do. Site states they hope to be open in time for the Bears opening game in September. Also, states they are accepting applications for servers.
Went past there today a lot of work going on. The new entrance looks really nice!
Anyone know if they are actually going to brew there?
Quote from: dukesdad on August 18, 2014, 04:30:20 PM
Anyone know if they are actually going to brew there?
All the articles I have read say they are. http://chicago.eater.com/archives/2014/07/30/big-hurt-brewpub-opening-soon.php#more (http://chicago.eater.com/archives/2014/07/30/big-hurt-brewpub-opening-soon.php#more)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/oak-park-river-forest-forest-park/ct-frank-thomas-brewery-talk-0829-20140828-story.html (http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/oak-park-river-forest-forest-park/ct-frank-thomas-brewery-talk-0829-20140828-story.html)
QuoteThe restaurant will be a "brewhouse" in name only. Thomas' line of beers is brewed elsewhere in the Chicago area.
Has anyone gone to Big Hurt Brewhouse yet? I heard the food was good but a bit pricy and that there are video gamining machines in the old bank vault.
Not surprised that they have gaming machines. There are everywhere. I stopped at Tom's for a hot dog. He has them in there. I'm seeing these Dottie's and Betty's popping up in strip malls in Countryside.
I was told, by someone who probably doesn't know, that Garv's is going to be a microbrew house. They would actually brew there. It seems like it would be too small. Anybody hear that rumor?
Crain's posted an article on the brewhouse opening, noting that the beer has been largely panned by critics. The menu seems expensive for Berwyn. The female servers' black/red outfits are Hooter-esque. Let's hope Frank Thomas's presence is enough to attract enough outsiders to maintain a successful business.
There is a brewery looking at Garv's from what I have heard.
Big Hurt has good food. Not sure I'll be hanging there often (it is only 2 blocks from home though).
Have any of you guys checked out Godson's in the depot? Nice, clean place. Inexpensive beers (craft beer too!).
Glad it's open! Any idea if Home Run Inn is still coming toward the Grove side?
Heard the Brewhouse closes at 11 on weekends?? Good for the neighborhood. :usa:
PS I thought I read the beer is brewed in Minnesota and won't be brewed in Berwyn
How is Parking?
Went in there last night on the way home from work. They have done a beautiful job on the place. The dome is spectacular. 33 beers on tap, limited menu until they get their feet on the ground. I did talk to Frank he says that Home Run inn is still coming in next door. When I got there there was plenty of parking, as I left they were charging $3 to park, that will set the Berwynites off! I do hope folks support the place. Be nice if people went there more than once, just to say they've been there. Frank seems like he has mellowed into a very nice guy.
Glad to hear someone is looking at Garv's. The inside was completely rehabbed a few years ago and should be in move-in condition. Not good to have that building, too, be empty.
I haven't been to Big Hurt yet, but looking at their FB page, I have to disagree about the waitresses looking like Hooter girls. I think their uniforms are a little dumpey, and the red boots look dated.
$3 to park??? Seems outlandish for Berwyn. Besides didn't our tax dollars pay for a lot of the parking lot improvements? Street improvements?
Quote from: exPROPer on November 06, 2014, 12:47:36 PM
$3 to park??? Seems outlandish for Berwyn. Besides didn't our tax dollars pay for a lot of the parking lot improvements? Street improvements?
$3 was supposed to be for only valet parking. Here is a press release from Big Hurt Brewhouse. Kudos to Frank Thomas.:
Berwyn, IL- November 4th, 2014- Due to a mis-communication with the contracted valet service, guests were charged for self-parking at a rate of three dollars per car during our opening weekend. This was a mistake and we apologize as parking on our lot will be free of charge, unless a guest opts to use the optional valet service.
Guests who did pay for parking on November 1st or November 2nd can bring their Big Hurt Brewhouse receipt, credit card or cash, and we will give a complimentary Be My Guest $10 off pass to Big Hurt Brewhouse, as our way of addressing this opening weekend mistake.
We sincerely apologize for any misunderstanding or unanticipated expense this caused and are taking the necessary steps to ensure effective parking access for our guests.
Yes, saw this on Facebook. I'm glad he corrected the problem so quickly. Hoping to get over there this weekend!