And here we go!

After our lease signing announcement, the work begins.  So much planning and coordination to do, so much work (labor) to do, so many forms and applications to fill out, contractors to hire, coordination with landlords to do…

The build process is one that at best shows regular progress , at worst, gets mired down & stalls – but typically goes in fits and starts.  There are a myriad of things to coordinate and time, and despite the best-laid plans there will be things that get left out or need to be redone. One thing we are going to work on is getting you regular updates on the Build process, so you can follow along and jump in and help where we need you.  In the spirit of this more regular communication, here's an update of where we stand right now:

We've engaged an Architect to advise us on WAC for the space, and he is currently working on permit plans. Our designers are working with us on final layout, finishes and design of the tasting room We have applied to the City for a Change in Use Permit (which turns out to be rather complicated based on prior use of the space, and zoning of the neighborhood) Our Build team has split into two: The Brewhaus Build team, and the Tasting Room Build team.  Both are working on sourcing their respective equipment and materials, and making lists to fit inside their budgets. We have submitted and received approval from the landlord for modifications to the building (removing walls, trenching drains, modifying access, etc).

And we have started some demolition (as you can see in these pictures).

It all sounds like a bunch of work, and it is.  Not the super fun stuff yet.  These are decisions and actions that will influence The Brewery for some time to come, and we are all cautious not to make obvious mistakes, and take this all pretty seriously.

However, we ARE planning some fun stuff!

Be sure to mark your calendars for our Official Lease Signing Party on January 24^th!  It should be a good party, open to members and their guests only.  More information on this will be forthcoming, so watch this space, and our page up on Facebook.

And I have a couple of appeals to you, our 925 loyal member-owners, and these are:

• Watch out for announcements from us.  We will call out for help for things, and are counting on you for your support, labor, and sometimes guidance.
• Be patient with us – we’ve never built a brewery before, and it’s much easier to be the armchair quarterback than be the guys on the field running the plays on game day.  Remember too, that none of us are drawing a dime of pay on this, plus we have to make our mortgage payments at our day jobs.  So we are serving this cause all on our own time.  But we always welcome your input!
• Keep the faith – we have come a long way since the beginning 3 years ago, to lease signing a couple weeks ago.  And we have a ways to go before we serve that first beer to you.  But keep in mind that there is nothing more that we want to do than serve you YOUR beer, and build OUR community around this Brewery.
• Help us finish up our Capital Campaign - we are still a few bucks short of our $300,000 goal (as of this writing), and need your help to close it out.  It's really important that we complete this ASAP, so call a friend or co worker and tell them how cool it is to support Member-Owned beer!  Or buy a couple more shares for yourself to get to the next threshold of the premiums offered!

This is not just a business, this is a cooperative, and our strength is in you, our membership.  We are counting on your input, your sweat, your capital, your enthusiasm – but most of all: your participation.     At times this will be active, and at others it will just be by being supportive to the cause.

But we thank you for all that you do!