Luxury Pet Resort Proposed for Buffalo Grove

A team of dog-lovers hopes to open a luxury pet resort in Buffalo Grove that would include an indoor dog park, doggie day care, grooming and boarding services.

Jennifer Levine, Linda Webster and Renee Sclafani outlined their plans this month for Barkington Palace, which also would offer obedience training, a canine splash pool, social opportunities and on-call veterinary services.

“It’s kind of a unique idea in this part of Illinois,” Sclafani told the Village Board. “We think there’s a definite need for it. People treat pets as family.”

The three women originally planned to operate Barkington Palace in a three-tenant building on Barclay Boulevard. After village officials and plan commissioners questioned whether noises, odors or allergens from the location could affect people in neighboring businesses, they returned to the Village Board on Monday with an alternative location — a 14,175-square-foot standalone building at 300 Lexington Drive.

“I think this is a better fit and a good opportunity for you to try out this business,” Trustee Jeff Berman said. “I have no reservations about referring this back to the Plan Commission.”

Barkington Palace would require permission to offer boarding services in the proposed location, as well as permission for dogs to enter a building. Village ordinance does not allow dogs to enter public buildings, food establishments or retail shops other than those selling animals.

Plan commissioners will make a recommendation to the Village Board, which ultimately will decide whether Barkington Palace is a good fit for Buffalo Grove. At least one trustee is already on board with the idea.

“I think it’s a great idea,” Trustee Mike Terson said earlier this month. “I think it’s very creative and unique. I think this concept will be highly successful in our community if it comes to fruition.”