It’s been more than a year since Sportsman’s Lounge served its last pork tenderloin, and the building at 229 W. Mason St. is being demolished to make way for a new development.
The building, originally used as a livery stable, was constructed in the late 1800s. It later became a bar that operated under various names until becoming known as Sportsman’s Lounge in 1957.
Four local investors, Greg Sronce, Matthew Davlin, Zach Washko and Dan Moja, purchased the business and real estate in March 2021 from Ralph “Pat” Patkus, who had operated the tavern since 2008. It reopened at the end of 2021 following extensive renovations, but Sept. 15, 2023, was the last day of operations.
That same month, the Springfield City Council approved a zoning change to allow for construction of a 24-unit apartment complex known as Mason Street Apartments.
Windsor Development Group is the developer for the project, which will provide permanent supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals. Clients in permanent supportive housing pay no more than 30% of their income for rent and typically receive ongoing case management services.
Windsor completed a similar project, Park Avenue Residences, on the city’s west side last year. Both projects received financing from the Illinois Housing Development Authority.
Mike Niehaus, president of Windsor Development Group, said that the support of IHDA and Springfield Housing Authority were crucial to the project.
"Springfield Housing Authority is providing project-based rental assistance for the people occupying the units, and that's what makes it viable," he said. "Kudos to SHA for their involvement to make this successful."
Ward 5 Ald. Lakeisha Purchase previously told Illinois Times that the apartment complex for people who used to be unhoused would be an asset to a neighborhood dominated by vacant lots and rental properties. She said she worked with Niehaus to find a suitable location for the project near hospitals and mental-health services.
The Heartland Housed action plan for Springfield and the rest of Sangamon County has highlighted a need for more affordable housing. Niehaus said that Heartland Housed will be the service provider for the Mason Street Apartments, which will include a unit for an onsite manager.
Plans for the project call for the construction of 22 apartments spread over three two-story buildings on a 50,240-square-foot site. The project also required the acquisition of several adjacent parking lots.
"We have half a block bounded by Rutledge, Mason and Klein," Niehaus said. "From the alley south, that's what we'll use to build on."
He said he anticipates completing construction in late spring.
