Pub opens at Bowes Creek
Bellying up to the bar is within reach of Bowes Creek residents -- and the public -- who are getting their first chance this week to hoist a pint or two at Porter's Pub, 1250 Bowes Creek Blvd., Elgin.
The new pub is just a few steps from Toll Brothers' signature English-style restaurant, which features wood and tiled floors, tin ceiling and a large bar. The pub is a logical extension of Bowes Creek Country Club, pub manager Brian Jason says.
(Karen Naess/For Sun-Times Media)
"While you're waiting for your table, you can sit down, have a beer or glass of wine and later enjoy your meal," he said, noting that the pub and the area's amenities are a drawing card.
"The last home we sold was to a Chicago couple who bought here because they liked the pub, restaurant and the entire atmosphere," he said.
Jason is not exactly a novice in the restaurant business, currently operating the Walleye Grill in Huntley and Barley House in Algonquin. Toll Brothers, the builder, is about 25 percent done developing the Bowes Creek property, which will include 932 upscale homes, a newly opened 18-hole public golf course and clubhouse, a swimming pool, tennis courts, bocce ball courts and a putting green.
Project Manager Bill Stanton says he has high hopes for the golf course.
"The golf course, being here on site, really draws the home buyer -- it's almost like a resort 'feel,'" he added.
Stanton acknowledged that the current economic downturn has impacted home sales, but insisted there are some encouraging signs.
"The people that come through the door to investigate us -- they are a much more educated buyer -- they do research on the Internet and are not coming here to just 'kick tires,'" he said.
"Most are going to buy a home -- from somebody. We hope with what we have here to offer, they'll buy from us," Stanton said.
