Well there goes deschutes... (Roanoke, Franklin: real estate, new home, earthquake)

[Gardner222]

I think a perfect spot for a Deschutes pub(or the next brewery) is the vacant No.1 Firehouse on Church Avenue, downtown.
Does anyone know what might go into that space?

[headnsouth]

Originally Posted by 16 Acres

In a related issue, I just read in Sunday's paper (Business section) that Hard Liquor sales continue to grow in the region, and as we all know, Micro-breweries are also the "new" thing. Wineries are also on the rise in the area.

Seems like we are becoming a very "alcoholic" region lately...

Don't forget moonshine.

[Rabrrita]

Originally Posted by Gardner222

I think a perfect spot for a Deschutes pub(or the next brewery) is the vacant No.1 Firehouse on Church Avenue, downtown.
Does anyone know what might go into that space?

It's restricted to government, cultural or community use. So, government offices or operations; a community based organization use like a day care, senior center, health clinic, homeless shelter, etc; or it can be a museum or public art gallery. Currently, it can not be developed for any commercial use. I believe the city may have already determined it's use based on all the building permits they have pulled for renovations.

[16 Acres]

Originally Posted by headnsouth

Don't forget moonshine.

Right, lol.

Although Moonshine was a way to survive during the Great Depression. Farmers and Country Folk did what they could to feed their families back then. But it was a tradition that was hard to die, in the years following.

[16 Acres]

Originally Posted by Rabrrita

or it can be a museum

I believe I heard something about it being a Museum. In my opinion, it should be a Fireman's Museum. The Firefighting History in Roanoke is extensive. I can remember the Firehouse still in use, not that long ago.

[RoanokeWahoo]

I'd have to think a spot on Reserve Ave would be sufficient. Yes, it's in a flood plane, but precautions would be made during construction.

If not there, somewhere in Roanoke County with easy access to the interstate. Bonsack area maybe.

[Gardner222]

Originally Posted by RoanokeWahoo

I'd have to think a spot on Reserve Ave would be sufficient. Yes, it's in a flood plane, but precautions would be made during construction.

If not there, somewhere in Roanoke County with easy access to the interstate. Bonsack area maybe.

Yes, the area around the Bridges would be ideal for a brew pub. Reserve Avenue is definately a hot area. I think a major
brewery coming to the valley would locate near the interstate in the County but the tourists would be downtown so a craft beer brewery would be a huge draw. I am also excited about the moonshine distillery in Franklin County which will selling legal
white lightnin' in 2016. This moonshine capital of Franklin County will not sit well with the Smith Mountain Lake folks but
it could become a major tourist draw there or even to Roanoke.

[RoanokeWahoo]

Originally Posted by Gardner222

Yes, the area around the Bridges would be ideal for a brew pub. Reserve Avenue is definately a hot area. I think a major
brewery coming to the valley would locate near the interstate in the County but the tourists would be downtown so a craft beer brewery would be a huge draw. I am also excited about the moonshine distillery in Franklin County which will selling legal
white lightnin' in 2016. This moonshine capital of Franklin County will not sit well with the Smith Mountain Lake folks but
it could become a major tourist draw there or even to Roanoke.

The only reason I mentioned a location near interstate access is because Deschutes wants this to be a east coast distribution facility as well as a brew pub. I'd imagine, getting tractor trailers to navigate in and out of downtown wouldn't be the most ideal.

[Watchful]

I'm not a drinker - don't even drink sodas anymore - but I can't see that a craft brewery is going to contribute heavily to the level of intoxication issues - of which there are many for sure....

If intoxication is the destination, then specialty beers is probably not the best way to get there, best as I can tell!

[headnsouth]

Originally Posted by Watchful

I'm not a drinker - don't even drink sodas anymore - but I can't see that a craft brewery is going to contribute heavily to the level of intoxication issues - of which there are many for sure....

If intoxication is the destination, then specialty beers is probably not the best way to get there, best as I can tell!

Well... craft beers tend to be higher in alcohol content than mass-produced beers. Craft breweries only have limited hours but they're much more than tasting rooms. With tables, food trucks, live music and activities (corn hole, trivia contests, ping pong, etc.) they're not just a place where you go for a flight.

They don't add to the problem but they count as much as any restaurant would, IMO.