Construction to make a new production brewery in North End a reality can get underway with the help of a grant from Wisconsin Economic Development Corp.
Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch announced the $109,877 state grant to help redevelop the former Leamon Mercantile beer distribution warehouse into a craft beer brewery in the heart of the Twin Ports - the soon-to-open home of Earth Rider Brewery.
"Superior really won me over," said Earth Rider owner Tim Nelson. "One of the reasons is my grandfather emigrated here from Norway."
Nelson's grandfather ran the former Imperial Bakery in Superior's North End.
With experience in the craft brewing industry that dates back to the 1990s, the brewery is expected to produce about 10,000 barrels of beer annually, some of which will be served at the Cedar Lounge next door.
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"It would be difficult for (politicians) to get up here and say that Superior needs beer, that Superior actually needs a brewery," said Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch during an announcement of the grant at the former distribution warehouse. "However, Superior is a hardworking city. I would argue to you today that Superior deserves a brewery."
The Community Development Investment Grant from WEDC will be used to renovate the former 16,000-square-foot Leamon Mercantile warehouse into Earth Rider Brewery.
The redevelopment plan will create office and retail space and the brewery in the warehouse adjacent to Cedar Lounge, which provides a beer-tasting room. Restoration of the Cedar Lounge was completed last year.
The $2.5 million campus includes outdoor green space between the two buildings that could be used for large events, local food truck operations and other purposes intended to boost the downtown.
"There are things that define Superior more than anything else," said Superior Mayor Jim Paine. "One is beautiful Lake Superior. It is clean, pH neutral and some of the finest water in the entire world - and the working-class spirit of the people that live and make their lives here. There is only one type of business that can turn water into spirit, and that is a brewery."
Paine thanked Earth Rider owner for having the vision to build a brewery in Superior and seeing the value of the city's industrious North End. He said it's not only an "authentically defining place in Superior," but it's right in the heart of the larger Duluth-Superior community.
"We're very excited that the state of Wisconsin is playing a role," Paine said.
The redevelopment project has the potential to be a catalyst for further downtown development, Kleefisch said.
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"I know there have been so many investments made in this redevelopment project, made in this downtown, for the good of Superior," the lieutenant governor said, announcing the grant. "We know that that last little bit is going to go very far because here in Superior, you're fiscally responsible. You work hard and you also want to enjoy yourself."
Northern Brewing Co., which closed in 1967, was the last production brewery in Superior.
Once construction is complete, the Earth Rider expects to create eight to 10 full-time equivalent jobs. Allyson Rolph of Thirsty Pagan and Tim Wilson of Fitger's Brewhouse are Earth Rider's lead brewers
Nelson said Earth Rider Brewery has attracted some of the area's best brewers to make its products.
"We'll be brewing some world-class beer that will be famous and make Superior famous," Nelson said.
"I think this is going to be a destination to drink beer," Kleefisch said.
