May 10, 2024

From Comedy Clubs to Golf Courses: The Comprehensive Sale of Pheasant Run Resort

The Pheasant Run Resort offered an escape into leisure and luxury from 1963 - 2020. After its closure, Grafe Auction helped transition its elegant fixtures and furnishings to new destinations, ensuring the resort's story of relaxation and enjoyment would continue in different forms (Chicago Tribune). From ballrooms and food service areas, to a spa and even landscaping items, the massive auction with over 3,000 items spanned 5 days of auctions. Top-selling categories in the auctions were storage containers, vehicles/heavy equipment, hotel furniture, banquet supplies, and golf/grounds gear. A few unique items also popped up like custom TV props and neon signs. When a business is around for as long as Pheasant Run, unique items always end up on auction.

Opening Day: Treasures from the New Orleans Ballroom and Beyond

Due to the size of the venue, Grafe Auction conducted auctions over the course of five days. Starting in the New Orleans ballroom on day one, the auction also included restaurants and food service areas in the facility. Auction trends included:

Bar Equipment and Décor: Items like neon signs, bar stools, glassware, and ice bins suggest interest from bar owners or those looking to outfit a home bar.
Artwork: Numerous framed artworks and prints, including historical photos of St. Charles and Pheasant Run, were auctioned, reflecting the artistic and cultural significance of the resort and the surrounding area.
Memorabilia: A wide range of Pheasant Run memorabilia, including plaques, towels, glassware, and clothing, were sold, demonstrating the historical value and sentimental appeal of the resort.
Highest Valued Items: The two highest items sold that day were a self-contained stainless steel cooler for $1,600 and a portable stainless steel freezer for $1,400. Also of note was an Old St. Charles train station picture that went for $700.

Culinary Delights: Unpacking the Kitchen and Banquet Hall Finds

Day two of auctions continued with food service items starting in the kitchen and then moving to the banquet hall, hotel lobby, and main theater area. Lots mainly consisted of commercial kitchen equipment, including ovens, fryers, sinks, prep tables, and a large quantity of stainless steel cookware and utensils. Additionally, furniture, décor, and office equipment were included.

Catering Equipment: High-value items such as the Groen tilting braising kettles and the Garland gas range were sold.
China and Glassware: Large quantities of china and glassware were auctioned off, often in sets with dish carts or racks.
Highest Selling Items: Highest bids went to material handling equipmenton day two, with a Sky Jack Platform Lift going for $5,000 and forklifts ranging from $3,000 to $4,750.

Entertainment and Relaxation: From Zanies to Spas

On day three, the auction moved from food service to Zanies, a comedy club at the resort, continued through the venue's replica of 'Bourbon Street', and moved to the spa, fitness center and golf course. The lots included furniture from various lounges and public areas, fitness equipment, golf equipment and accessories, signage, office equipment, and a large quantity of mini-fridges. Highlights included:

Fitness Equipment: High-end Life Fitness equipment from the fitness center, including treadmills, stationary bikes, and strength training machines, fetched good prices. Ellipticals sold for $500-$750, while Life Cycle bikes went as high as $700.
Pro Shop: Golf clubs, bags, and accessories were sold, along with display racks and signage.
Interesting Finds: From the spa, a Finnlea sauna room sold for $400. Additionally, entire hotel rooms were auctioned off as one lot with the contents selling together.

Accommodations and Grounds: Inside Pheasant Run’s Rooms and Landscapes

Day four focused on the sale of additional hotel room contents and equipment from various areas of the resort, with a significant portion dedicated to groundskeeping equipment. Lots included hotel room furniture and appliances, signage, audio/visual equipment, maintenance tools, landscaping equipment, and vehicles:

Hotel Room Contents: Many lots offered the complete contents of hotel rooms, often categorized by room type (e.g., king, double queen) and location within the resort. Prices varied depending on the room type and included items.
Groundskeeping Equipment: A wide range of groundskeeping equipment, including mowers, tractors, aerators, and utility trailers, were auctioned. Several high-value items, like the Ransomes mowers were sold.
Vehicles: A 2008 Chevrolet Express bus was a standout item, selling for $8,000.00.

Final Offerings: Small Treasures with Big Stories

The final day of auctions for Pheasant Run Resort included the sale of numerous small to medium-sized items from various locations within the Pheasant Run Resort. The majority of lots included furniture, tableware, kitchenware, décor, office supplies, and maintenance equipment. Highlights included:

High Volume: Large quantities of china, glassware, and serving trays were sold. For example, lot 13 contained 346 assorted china plates and bowls.
Memorabilia: Several lots of Pheasant Run branded items, such as pens and throw pillows, were sold, indicating interest in memorabilia.
Kitchen Equipment: Numerous pieces of kitchen equipment, including sinks, ovens, and refrigeration units, were sold, suggesting interest from restaurant owners or caterers.
Highest Selling Items: Two golf course lawn mowers were sold this day ranging from $1,600 to $3,750.

By the Numbers

The massive, five-day event at Pheasant Run Resort was not just about selling items; it was a monumental affair that drew attention and participation far and wide. The auction featured thousands of lots, ranging from high-end restaurant equipment to unique memorabilia that encapsulated the resort's rich history. The participation was equally impressive, with bidders logging in from across the nation to seize a piece of this iconic venue.

The auction successfully processed several thousand bids, reflecting the high interest and competitive nature of the event. Each day saw hundreds of transactions, with bidders vying for their chosen pieces, whether it was for practical use or as a keepsake. The online platform facilitated a smooth bidding process, ensuring that each item received the attention it deserved and achieving substantial returns for every category. This event not only marked the end of an era for Pheasant Run Resort but also set a benchmark for how extensive and meticulously planned online auctions should be conducted, showcasing Grafe Auction’s capability to manage large-scale, high-stakes sales with finesse and expertise.

Preserving History Through New Beginnings

As the final bids were placed, the Pheasant Run Resort auction not only marked the end of an iconic establishment but also paved the way for new stories to begin. Over five days, thousands of items found new homes, carrying with them the legacy of relaxation and enjoyment that defined Pheasant Run for decades. Each piece, from grand ballroom chandeliers to the smallest glassware, now continues its journey elsewhere, bringing a piece of history into new spaces.

This auction was not just about transactions; it was about transition—ensuring that while the physical space may have closed, its memories and material elegance will live on in diverse settings. Join us in celebrating the past as we embrace the future, ensuring that every item from Pheasant Run adds value and charm wherever it lands. At Grafe Auction, we're not just selling items; we're curating the continuation of stories.

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