ST. CHARLES – The future of Pheasant Run Resort has been called into question as the DuPage Airport Authority recently filed a lawsuit seeking acquisition of the property through its eminent domain powers.

Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, is directly north of the DuPage Airport, 2700 International Drive, West Chicago.

Phillip Luetkehans, an attorney representing the airport authority, said the entity is trying to protect its runways and airspace. He also referenced a concept plan Pheasant Run presented to St. Charles aldermen in October that envisioned adding retailers and residences to the site.

The residential use is “not appropriate” next to an airport, Luetkehans said.

“We’ve all seen what happened with O’Hare and Midway with the noise complaints,” he said.

He said attempts to negotiate with Pheasant Run have been unsuccessful.

Pheasant Run Resort, which is owned by St. Charles Resort LLC, did not provide a comment Monday.

St. Charles Mayor Ray Rogina said it is his “sincere hope” that the two parties come to an equitable agreement.

“Pheasant Run, to us, is part of the fabric of this community,” he said, describing it as a symbol of the city’s east side that brings in a “good amount” of property tax, sales tax and alcohol tax.

The ownership’s plans to make Pheasant Run a more viable and modern facility are appealing to St. Charles, Rogina said. He said it is unfortunate that legal proceedings may slow that process.

When a representative from the airport authority spoke against Pheasant Run’s concept plan at a meeting last fall, 1st Ward Alderman Dan Stellato noted the airport had two years to buy the property when it was in foreclosure.

He further said he thought it was wrong that the airport, which is outside the city, would come in and tell the city how to manage or develop the property.