With our plethora of microbreweries and small, locally owned but nationally renowned breweries, it's no wonder that West Michigan and Grand Rapids have been gaining attention as a must-visit location for beer aficionados. It should come as little surprise, then, that a major Detroit brewing company has decided to make a major investment in downtown Grand Rapids in hopes of cashing in on the popularity of hops-infused brews.
Atwater Brewery, founded in 1997, uses centuries-old brewing techniques to produce both a variety of traditional beers and creative new brews, such as the Traverse City Cherry Wheat and this summer's Blueberry Cobbler Ale, all of which are popular at their Detroit location (a four-star average on Yelp doesn't lie). All of their brewing equipment was imported from Germany, and they also use German malt grains and hops for their lagers. Specialty ales are brewed with American-sourced hops. This means that although they hail from the East side of the state, the Atwater Brewery team can compete with the amazing, west-side offerings, and they intend to.
As they announced earlier this week, they will be taking up residency in the Rowe Building, which is currently undergoing massive renovations for a 2016 re-opening. Located at 201 Michigan St. NW., the Rowe Building, with its fusion of modern amenities and classic architecture, is the perfect home for Atwater Brewery, which touts a similar classic/modern combination in their brewing practices. In addition to a taphouse featuring their increasingly popular selection of standard and seasonal brews, the Atwater Brewery location in Grand Rapids will feature a biergarten, an outdoor space dedicated to the enjoyment of beers (and the growing of hops and herbs, in many cases).
Not all the beers will be trucked across the state; Atwater intends to brew a number of their offerings on site at the Rowe Building location in Grand Rapids, making its offerings truly local. Some of those beers will be bottled and sold at retailers who carry Atwater products, which also include other spirits, such as cider and wine. That means at Grand Rapids brews will make up a portion of Atwater's annual production of 80-100,000 barrels of beer and $12 million in revenue.
New projects, such as the Atwater Brewery renovation in the Rowe Building, are breathing fresh life into the downtown area. These investments bode well for long-term stability and expansion in the Grand Rapids real estate market and West Michigan real estate market. It's hard to deny that there is every kind of entertainment in the area, from family-friendly events and festivals to adult beverages to athletic events and semi-professional sports teams. West Michigan has all the amenities of a big city without the big city feel.
If you're considering moving to West Michigan or Grand Rapids, or if you're ready to sell your home and move to a new neighborhood, give Pyxis Realty a call! Our team of experienced real estate professionals will ensure you have the best experience possible!