Big Plans, Short Timeline: Behind the Fence

Pat Burns is on a mission to bring a whole new hospitality experience to Springfield and he hasn't given himself much time to bring the dream to life.

Burns gave Springfield Patch a behind-the-fence tour of the ongoing construction at the new Courtyard by Marriott at the Springfield Country Club late last week.

Multiple outdoor fire pit/dining areas will soon be installed in an area where backhoes and heavy construction equipment now roam.

Outdoor dining terraces overlooking the 18th hole will adjoin the current Tavolas Restaurant (that Burns' company operates inside the Country Club) as well as the new hotel that's under construction.

A giant water wall is under construction that Burns says will provide an unprecedented-in-Delaware County backdrop for weddings and other events.

Click on the video clip to hear Burns describe the current state of construction and the target opening dates in his own words.