Steve Eyke has been waiting for two-and-a-half years for his vision of bringing a brewpub and downtown living to the Second Empire-style historic building in Downtown Williamston. This summer, the developer’s hard-earned dream will become a reality.
Eyke’s
LaFollette Kitchen and Design partnered with
Michigan Brewing Company, the City of Williamston, MSHDA, the MEDC and the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office to bring the three-story, 9,900 square-foot, 1874 building back to life.
“I had the vision that this grand old building which is on our four corners downtown could be something great,” Eyke says. “I wanted to bring in a restaurant to the first floor, and with the 14-foot ceilings it was perfect for a brew pub.“
The combined public investment from the various government grants and tax credits will contribute $400,000 of the $800,000 project.
“The building had no economic life without the input of public funding,” says Eyke, who specializes in historic restoration. “What the community is getting in return is a revitalized building and great business that will make downtown more vibrant and active.”
In addition to the Michigan Brewing Company, which is expected to open in June or July and employ at least 9.5 workers, the building will contain six rental housing units.
Source: Steve Eyke, LaFollette Kitchen and Design
Writer: Natalie Burg, News Editor
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