The Sanctuary's Banquet Hall Plan Gets Village Approval

PLAINFIELD, IL — After some initial skepticism, the Village Board voted Monday to allow the redevelopment of the historic downtown trolley barn to include a banquet hall. The new business, called Sanctuary Plainfield, can soon host events for up to 200 guests.

Plans to add the banquet hall and events space first came to the Village Board in early September, but trustees didn't approve the measure then, saying issues like parking and valet services had yet to be adequately addressed. The village board voted 4-2 Monday to approve the banquet hall space, but not everyone believes the issues of parking have been solved.

Minor Threat Restaurant Group, which is redeveloping the barn at 24216 W. Lockport St., has secured contracts for remote parking sites at Larry's Diner and LifeSpring Community Church, as well as about 42 parking spaces on-site and nearby. There will be two shuttle buses to bring people to the events space.

Trustees Margie Bonuchi and Cally Larson said the traffic and parking plan were not sufficient to avoid downtown congestion. Larson echoed village staff's concern that some people will choose to park downtown regardless of the remote options, and Bonuchi said drop-off and pick-up will lead to a "traffic nightmare."

"I just think this is unmanageable," Bonuchi said.

Mayor Michael Collins said the village and banquet hall operator have yet to address the potential impact of valet workers hurrying from the events space to the remote lots.

"This still needs some work before we get tooseriouss about it," Collins said.

Despite those concerns, the board voted to approve the banquet hall use. Trustee Larry Newton said an events space make sense in the redevelopment plans for the large building.

"I think it's a perfect use for that," he said. "I'm willing to give the applicant a chance."

Minot Threat first announced plans to redevelop the 1900's-era trolley barn in 2017. In early August, Minor Threat announced that it would move its restaurant, Sovereign, into the Sanctuary from its current location across the street.

According to village documents, the Sanctuary will include a banquet hall, two restaurants, four bars and two kitchens. It is not yet known when the business is expected to open. Mayor Collins said the business still needs an occupancy permit before it can open.