USA, MI: Handmap Brewing planning brewery in downtown Battle Creek

Handmap Brewing wants to put its mark on Michigan’s beer scene, with plans to open a new brewery in downtown Battle Creek in fall of 2019, according to a news release from the city of Battle Creek’s economic development group, Battle Creek Unlimited.

It’s the second brewery coming to Battle Creek, as New Holland Brewing proceeds on plans for a location at the corner of McCamly Street and Michigan Avenue that is not yet open.

Arcadia Brewing, a business that operated in Battle Creek for more than 20 years, announced in August 2017 it was closing its Battle Creek location.

In December 2017, BCU announced a request for proposals in conjunction with a $200,000 incentive for a new brewery/distillery to locate in downtown Battle Creek, later announcing that two breweries would be awarded separate incentive packages.

At that time, New Holland Brewing announced its plan to open a brewpub in Battle Creek.

Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU), announced on June 11 a $200,000 financial incentive to Handmap Brewing, which will be located on the first floor of the Record Box, a mix-used facility at 15 Carlyle Street that is undergoing a complete historic renovation by real estate developer Restore (269).

Handmap Brewing co-founders, Chris McCleary and Jennifer Brown, both natives of Battle Creek, will return from Chicago to share their expertise and passion for craft beer, the news release states.

McCleary, Handmap’s Head Brewer, has been brewing for more than a decade and spent the last three years as a brewer with Chicago-based Goose Island Beer Company, according to the news release. Brown brings decades of business and financial experience from multiple Chicago-based companies, according to the news release.

“We are looking forward to coming home to open Handmap Brewing, catching up with old friends and making many new ones and are excited to be part of the great things happening in Battle Creek," Brown said in the prepared statement. "Our intent is to create an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome, from the craft beer enthusiast to people who have never been to a brewery.”

Handmap’s plans for Battle Creek include onsite brewing with a rotating selection of craft brews, along with food options in a venue true to the craft brewing spirit. Construction of the facility is under way, and a grand opening is slated for fall 2019, according to the news release.

“The City of Battle Creek is full of history, and Handmap Brewing is proud to be a part of its future. We are excited to share our dream, and for Handmap to share the craft beer experience,” McCleary said.

Handmap Brewing expects to employ nearly a dozen employees when fully operational, the release states.

“Handmap Brewing’s decision to locate at the Record Box will build upon the transformative momentum that is currently under way in downtown Battle Creek," BCU President & CEO Joe Sobieralski said. "We are not only excited to watch them grow and thrive in Battle Creek but thrilled to see the downtown momentum continue.”

Architect Cody Newman of Restore (269) said his wife, Caitlynn Newman, owns the Record Box building, and they are working together to develop the property.

The three-story building was built in 1902, Cody Newman said, and has been empty for about 20 years.

“We think it’s going to be a great thing that’s going to help with revitalization of downtown,” he said about the development.

Plans are proceeding for a web site development company to locate on the second floor, as well as a co-working space, Newman said. The third floor is slated to be a multipurpose event space where weddings and other events can be hosted, Newman said.

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