Every seat was filled at Sportsman’s Lounge at lunchtime Friday, with the announcement that it would be the final day of operations for the longtime neighborhood restaurant and tavern.
The bar has operated under various names since 1935 and as Sportsman’s Lounge since 1957. Four local investors, Greg Sronce, Matthew Davlin, Zach Washko and Dan Moja, purchased the business at 229 W. Mason in March 2021 from Ralph “Pat” Patkus, who had operated the tavern since 2008. It reopened at the end of 2021, following extensive renovations.
The building, originally used as a livery stable, dates to the late 1800s. Sronce told SBJ at the time the owners had done a “complete, comprehensive history on it.” Beer bottles from American Brewing Company in Pekin were found during the renovations and were displayed along with other old photos and memorabilia.
Now the property is slated for demolition to allow for construction of a three-building, 24-unit apartment complex for formerly homeless people. The complex, which would be known as Mason Street Apartments, would be constructed by The Windsor Development Group. A rezoning request necessary to complete the project received a positive recommendation at the August meeting of the Springfield Planning and Zoning Commission. It is scheduled to be voted on at the Sept. 19 Springfield City Council meeting.
