Location
Chester, CT
This project gave a whole new meaning to the concept of micro-brewing. We worked closely with the client to ‘shoe-horn’ a full-functioning brewery into a very small building on a very small lot. The project presented a multitude of challenges including a historic building representing three different centuries of construction and renovation; a highly varied topography bound tightly by a raised roadway and retaining wall on one side, an adjacent building and alleyway on the other side, a raised rear parking area, and a stepped front municipal sidewalk. On the production side, we opened up the rear floor to create a two-story space allowing room for stacked fermentation tanks, piping, and product distribution. On the retail side, we created an enticing exterior with picture window backrests that play off the company logo while hinting at the Victorian porch detailing. A hot red door with comfortable red wicker chairs invite patrons to sit, enjoy a cold one, and relaxingly take in the small-town street life. The carefully planned tap room features an L-shaped bar, cushioned benches, and high-top tables offering patrons tantalizing opportunities to socialize while consuming their favorite brew. A rear, sunken beer garden offers yet another chance for cozy, outdoor sipping and comradery. We like to design for the good life! (Photos by Caryn B. Davis)






