USA, IA: SingleSpeed Brewing Co. coming to Des Moines soon

Next stop for SingleSpeed Brewing Co.: Des Moines, The Des Moines Register reported on May 7.

The Waterloo-based brewery is embarking on an adaptive re-use of a former tire shop at 303 Scott Ave., part of Des Moines' Market District neighborhood on the east bank of the Des Moines River. It's expected to open in spring 2023.

SingleSpeed got its start in a small, 1,700-square-foot facility in Cedar Falls where it still has its original taproom and a research and development center. It opened a much larger taproom in the historic former Wonder Bread production facility in Waterloo in 2017.

Owner Dave Morgan said the Des Moines location is a perfect fit for the bike-themed SingleSpeed. The building is situated on the John Pat Dorrian Trail, which follows the Des Moines River, and will have a front-row seat to improvements planned for the Scott Avenue Dam as part of the ICON Water Trails project.

"We plan to really lean into the outdoor aspect and connect with the Des Moines trail network and the river that is right behind us," Morgan said. "We're going to lean heavy into the exterior design of this to make sure we can have a ton of fun outside of the walls of the building, as well."

The building will feature an expansive outdoor patio that butts up against the trail. Inside, SingleSpeed will offer a full food menu, similar to what's offered at its Waterloo location, and a five-barrel brewery system for Des Moines-specific beers. It plans to produce one new beer a week, plus offer some SingleSpeed favorites, Morgan said.

The Des Moines location will be on the southwestern edge of the 260-acre Market District, which city leaders envision as a dense urban neighborhood with housing, offices, shopping and entertainment. The area, which is being prepped for redevelopment, is currently home to industrial warehouses and a public works building.

Twisted Vine Brewery, moving from West Des Moines, is set to open there June 1 at 112 S.E. Fourth St., joining Peace Tree Brewing Co. and 1717 Brewing in the neighborhood.

Central Iowa's craft beer scene continues to grow, with at least 20 breweries open to the public and others planned. Construction on Big Grove Brewery and a yet-unnamed brewery at 732 18th St. are underway in Sherman Hill. The renowned Toppling Goliath brewery in Decorah told the Des Moines Register last year it also plans a Des Moines-area location, though none has as yet been announced.

"There's already breweries that we love and respect down there," Morgan said. " ... We're excited to get down there to join in and continue the creation of what is already an awesome craft beer culture."

Des Moines City Council on Monday will vote on preliminary terms of a development agreement with SingleSpeed that would provide $950,000 in tax increment financing for the $5.4 million renovation. Construction is expected to begin this summer.

"The project will be an adaptive reuse of auto repair space, repurposing much of the existing materials in the renovation," a memo to councilmembers says. "It is anticipated that this project could spur additional interest in the redevelopment of the adjacent lots in the surrounding area."

The building was most recently home to Earl's Tire & Service Center, which closed last week.

SingleSpeed sells its canned beer throughout Iowa. Among its popular brews: Tip the Cow milk stout and Gable, a lager named for legendary University of Iowa wrestling coach Dan Gable, a Waterloo native.

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