Attempts to renovate the Brewery began in the 1980s when investors bought the structures in hopes of development. These initial efforts were ultimately unsuccessful and the building remained vacant for three more decades. In 2014, local entrepreneurs hosted a pop-up beer garden, “Untapped,” in order to draw attention to the building and its potential. During the event, the buildings caught the eye of Billy Orgel, a cell phone tower developer who decided to invest in the area creating office, retail, and residential space.

A local architectural firm, Looney Ricks Kiss, developed plans for the restoration of the existing building and added a parking garage and other buildings. The original building includes forty-two apartments, common areas, a fitness center, and offices. The Wash House was built on the north side on the building with eighty-eight units. The Bottle Shop, with eighteen units, commercial space and a parking garage, was built across the street.

The apartments range in size from small economy units to large two-story units with private rooftop decks and a view of the river. All of the units include large windows with views of the Mississippi River and easy access to Butler Park and the Riverwalk. Orgel and his business partners made many additions to the original structure to expand the property and allow for greater commercial space. They relocated their offices to the first three floors in the original building, as this space was not conducive to apartments or retail. Most of the construction was completed by early 2018.

Written by Pooja Talati, Class of 2019