Milwaukee-based Lakefront Brewery Inc. announced today that it has obtained an option to purchase 9.3 acres of land in the Menomonee Valley in Milwaukee that was once intended for an expansion of the Allen Edmonds Shoe Company.
With the option agreement, Lakefront will be able to explore the site at 841 Canal St., located near the Harley-Davidson Museum, to see if it will fit the brewery’s needs for a second production facility, the company said.
“This is an intriguing piece of property in an exciting part of the city,” said Lakefront Brewery President Russ Klisch.
Lakefront’s flagship brewery facility is located at 1872 N. Commerce St. in Milwaukee. The company said that a second brewery location would provide it with the ability to expand its production and distribution. Lakefront Brewery has increased its production from less than 6,300 barrels in 2005 to 33,000 barrels last year.
“We have considered a number of locations in the metropolitan area, but for now we would like to see if we can make this site in the Menomonee Valley fit our needs,” said Klisch. “There are a lot of challenges, but in the past, the city and the state have demonstrated an ability and willingness to help overcome the challenges of the Valley and, for that reason, we are dedicated to this effort to remain in the city of Milwaukee.”
The company said it would create 75 to 150 jobs if it builds a brewery in the Menomonee Valley.
