GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A Detroit-area brewer is planning to open a biergarten and tap house in Grand Rapids next year.
Atwater Brewery is planning on bringing their Detroit beer to the renovated Rowe Hotel Building at 201 Michigan Street NW. The building, formerly Olds Manor, is currently being renovated.
Plans to completely revamp the historic downtown building on Grand Rapids' Medical Mile were announced late last year.
Developers say it signals an important next step in bringing more retail and business to the northern end of the downtown area.
"Atwater, first of all is a Michigan business owned and operated by Michigan people which is fantastic but its new to Grand Rapids so it's growth," said Nick Koster, vice president with CWD Real Estate.
"So often moving people around is considered growth, this is actual new growth for Grand Rapids and business expanding in Grand Rapids, there's really nothing better for the city."
The Grand Rapids location will be the secondAtwater in the Park location in Michigan. The other is in Grosse Point Park.
“The Rowe building is an ideal spot for our biergarten and tap house concept," said Atwater owner Mark Rieth in a press release. "First, it’s a wonderful historic and architecturally interesting building that will be brought back to its original glory and become another noteworthy asset in downtown Grand Rapids. Second, we’ll have beautiful outdoor space that will allow for a truly authentic biergarten experience."
Atwater is also running a special edition German Dortmunder Lager for a limited run during ArtPrize that is being sold exclusively at B.O.B.'s Brewery.
