BRICK WEST BREWING CO.
SPOKANE, WASHINGTON
Two pairs of brothers came together to execute a lifelong dream of opening a craft brewery. With backgrounds in developing community-centric housing and restaurants, the pair of brothers wanted the brewery to anchor redevelopment of an overlooked and neglected portion of the West End of downtown Spokane that was on the cusp of a renaissance. The Watts Automotive building turned out to be perfect location - the 120 year old building still had its original trusses that clear spanned what was once home to automotive lifts and repair bays. The open plan and tall ceilings provided flexibility in the configuration of the brewery and fermentation vessels required by the owners, offered room to grow and expand, and house a generous taproom for guests.
The architect was charged with creating an environment that stayed true to the original industrial character of the building while showcasing technologically advanced brewing equipment that would eventually craft some of the best, most consistent beer imaginable. The brothers had also brokered a deal with the city that allowed them to assist in programming the uses of the adjacent urban park, located above a massive newly constructed stormwater tank. By both visually and physically connecting the taproom and brewery to the park through six large operable doors, the brewery could ensure the park was activated with people, scheduled activities, festivals, food vendors, and art.
In order to visually showcase the brewery equipment and to connect patrons to the brewing process, the bar and taps are strategically located between the taproom and brewery to serve as a viewing platform over the brewhouse and fermentation vessels through a wall of storefront. Guests of the taproom can enjoy the open, airy feeling of the restaurant while seeing unimpeded through the glass to the brewing process.
Brick West Brewing Co has ignited an incredible transformation to the West End of downtown Spokane, revitalizing and reenergizing the otherwise vacant and derelict street corners into a vibrant, active, and exciting new addition to the local brewery scene.
AWARDS:
AIA Spokane Citation Award
