Overview: A repurposed downtown Elgin office building now houses The Bottle Department, a new bar offering more than 250 craft beers. Located at 46 S. Spring St., the venue operates within the historic Courtyard 40 complex and features an extensive inventory organized by style.
The Full Story
A repurposed office building with ties to downtown Elgin’s storied past is now home to The Bottle Department, a new bar offering more than 250 craft beers. Chris Pietrini, from left, Matt Willis and Madison Rodriguez, owners of The Bottle Department in downtown Elgin, stand near the beer taps for some of the more than 250 craft beers they sell. While The Bottle Department has a Spring Street address, it is inside 40 DuPage Court, which was called the Spurling Block Building when it opened in 1893.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building was vacant and bank-owned when Dan Strojny and Legend Partners purchased it in 2014. The development project received $11.3 million in funding with $3.9 million in tax increment financing from Elgin approved in 2021. Co-owner Matt Willis, who was raised in Elgin, partnered with Chris Pietrini and Madison Rodriguez. They met through various connections including a Bible study group and The Lucky Monk. The business recently opened in Courtyard 40, which has been repurposed with apartments and commercial spaces.
The coolers hold hundreds of craft beers, which are organized by style. The business also stocks ciders, meads, canned cocktails, a few wines and more than 40 nonalcoholic beverages. Patrons are invited to bring food or have it delivered as the establishment does not have a kitchen. The Bottle Department at 46 S. Spring St. in downtown Elgin is across from Al’s Cafe & Creamery.
Production & Profile
The venue features 20 draft lines that constantly rotate to feature different breweries and styles. One of these lines is dedicated to a nonalcoholic option. The inventory includes more than 250 beers in its coolers, organized by style, along with several ciders, meads, canned cocktails, a few wines and more than 40 nonalcoholic beverages.
Brand & Industry History
The establishment occupies the Spurling Block Building, which opened in 1893 as the office of the Elgin Daily Courier/Elgin Courier-News. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building was vacant and bank-owned when Dan Strojny and Legend Partners purchased it in 2014. The development project received $11.3 million in funding with $3.9 million in tax increment financing from Elgin approved in 2021.
What This Means
Owners acknowledge that the industry is currently difficult, noting that many breweries are closing or merging. Despite these challenges, the business remains committed to finding the best available options and bringing them to Elgin so that as many people as possible can experience the craft beer industry.
Consumer Takeaway
The establishment seats 90 and has a room available for private events. Patrons are invited to bring food or have it delivered since the venue does not have a kitchen. The location is across from Al’s Cafe & Creamery, encouraging visitors to purchase food from neighboring restaurants while they drink.
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