Andrew McNally beamed with excitement as he led a tour Thursday night through Montgomery’s first production brewery and taproom.

McNally is founder and brewmaster of Common Bond Brewers, which plans to open early next year inside a 71-year-old building at 12 W. Jefferson St. The Montgomery Advertiser first reported plans for the project in February. Now, Paulk Construction has nearly completed a massive renovation to the space while highlighting features such as the original brick and roof details.

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A restaurant run by the owners of Auburn-based Little Italy Pizzeria will face the street with light streaming out from near floor-to-ceiling windows. Near the back of the building, a speakeasy-type entrance leads to the Common Bond taproom, where people can sample some of the beer made on site and relax in an open area with a modern warehouse look. There’s even a hidden, open-air patio.

The brewing equipment is already in place. McNally said he originally hoped to open by the end of the year, but he’s more focused on brewing good beer and making sure the taproom is “a cool place to come together.”

“Everyone’s been supportive and really excited to see it,” he said. “I can’t wait to show them.”