Eckert’s Inc. president talks about expansion plans at Belleville Farm
Eckert’s Inc. is planning to break ground on its expansion project at the Belleville Farm in early 2022, company President Chris Eckert said Friday.
The project includes the addition of a new outdoor dining pavilion and music venue at its popular store, restaurant and farm location along Green Mount Road and Illinois 15.
Eckert said in an interview that the goal is to be able to open the new facilities by Memorial Day.
Holland Construction Services of Swansea is handling the project.
A series of exterior and interior renderings for the new and updated facilities, provided by Eckert, shows details for the new Cider House, dining pavilion and stage, the new location for the custard and donut shop, and new restroom building.
The project includes the construction of a 5,500-square-foot dining pavilion that includes plenty of seating and a bar area. At the end of the pavilion, a 700-square-foot stage will be built, as well as a 500-square-foot restroom building southeast of the pavilion.
Eckert said the new venue will provide a more comfortable environment for guests during live concerts and other kinds of entertainment, attractions and activities.
The property will also see some renovation work.
The Cider Shed, which opened this year, will be “completely rehabbed” as part of the project, according to Eckert, and take over part of the space currently occupied by the custard shop.
Eckert said the Cider Shed, now closed for the season, was a test project. It was a way to try out new products and to help determine the guests’ interest in different types of events, which included cider tastings and live musical entertainment.
The renderings of the new Cider House show an entry and waiting area, a main bar area with bar and table seating,
The custard shop will be relocated to the cooking classroom inside the Country Store. The classroom will be remodeled to accommodate the custard shop as well as the cider donut facility, according to Eckert.
Architectural blueprints provided by Cliff Cross, the city’s Director of Economic Development, Planning & Zoning, show the 6,600-square-foot addition, including the location for the outdoor dining pavilion/music venue, stage and separate restroom building.
The plans also show that 10 parking spots will be removed from the existing east parking lot. All other existing parking lots will remain.
Belleville’s Planning Commission met Wednesday, Nov. 3, to discuss the Eckert’s project, which was listed as a new business item on the agenda. The Commission unanimously agreed to recommend the expansion to the City Council, according to Cross.
The plans will go to the City Council for action at its meeting on Monday, Nov. 15.
Eckert sees no reason for the council not to approve the project, stating that the City of Belleville has always been supportive of Eckert’s Inc.
Cross said it was made clear during the Nov. 3 meeting that Eckert’s Inc. was not asking for tax incentives to help fund the project.
Eckert said although the final cost estimate is still pending, he “didn’t see the need to go to the City” for financial help with the new project. He feels that the new expansion, along with its future events and attractions, will pay for itself in the long run.
In 2009, Eckert’s Inc. sought $975,000 in economic incentives from the city for a $5.5 million expansion that included the Country Store and restaurant. This project was also handled by Holland Construction.
Approval for the tax increment financing was completed in early 2010. The renovated and expanded Eckert’s Country Store opened in July 2010.
The Eckert family’s retail business started in 1910 as a roadside stand at its Turkey Hill farm. Today, the headquarters site is a popular destination, drawing customers from around the region to buy fresh produce and other products, participate in seasonal events and enjoy the outdoors at its huge family farm.
Eckert’s Belleville Farm is located at 951 S. Green Mount Road. For additional information about this and other Eckert’s locations, call 800-745-0513 or visit eckerts.com.
