USA, MI: New Holland Brewing Co. to begin construction of its downtown Battle Creek brewery

It hasn’t been easy for New Holland Brewing Co. to begin construction of its downtown Battle Creek brewery, but they're finally ready to begin, the Battle Creek Enquirer reported on January 15.

The brewery received a $968,500 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which is the final piece of funding needed to get construction underway.

“It’s the final piece of the puzzle,” said Joe Sobieralski, president and CEO of Battle Creek Unlimited. “We’re finally there.”

The grant is through the MEDC’s Michigan Community Revitalization Program, which “is designed to provide community revitalization incentives for eligible investments on eligible property in this state,” according to the program’s website.

The $5 million project also received a $200,000 grant from Battle Creek Unlimited in April 2018 and a $265,000 Real Estate Connection grant. The brewery is funding the rest of the construction through bank loans and other private investors.

The project at 64 W. Michigan Ave. will begin construction by the end of January after the brewery receives final approvals from the city, said Dave White, vice president of retail operations.

“We’re looking at pretty much any day now that we have this last grant,” he said.

White said the company is looking forward to the excitement of having a construction crew in downtown Battle Creek.

“I think you’ll feel the electricity and people are really going to start to feel the anticipation when we have crews working on it for everybody to see,” White said.

The project will take around six months to complete, so they are anticipating a summer opening, which White believes is a good opening time for a brewery.

“There’s a lot going on downtown during that time,” White said. “For example, Battle Creek hosts a lot of sporting events during that time. That’s something we’re excited for and a reason why that season is exciting.”

Sobieralski said the project would have never reached the point of construction without the help of several groups.

"This is a great complement to several other economic development projects underway or in the pipeline, none of which would be possible without the collaboration from many including the MEDC, BCU, and the city of Battle Creek," he said.

White said that the brewery is thankful to the city of Battle Creek and its residents for their patience and support throughout the process.

“Working with the city and Battle Creek Unlimited has been an absolute joy,” White said. “The residents have also welcomed us with open arms and stayed patience. I want everyone to know that we appreciate that.”

19 January, 2020