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Duel’s flagship location in Santa Fe has an occupancy of just 93, and Edwards said it’s often over-flowing. For his Albuquerque location — Duel’s first off-site taproom —he wanted something much larger. That’s one of the primary reasons he chose the building, which is owned by Coe & Peterson and represented by broker Tenee Swingle.

But Edwards said the building also offered an attractive location.

“I dig the urban feel,” he said.

Work is getting underway this week on the renovation, and Edwards estimates it could open as early as December. He has plans to incorporate rooftop seating but will likely put that off until the spring.

He said Duel could start with about 80 taps that will serve Duel beer but also pour offerings from other breweries. Instead of a long, straight counter, he said the bar will boast more of a “honey-comb” shape meant to foster better interaction among patrons.

Plans call for some food, including charcuterie boards that customers can assemble from meats and cheeses featured in a deli case.

The venue also has a mezzanine that Edwards described as “a much more intimate space” that will have a wine cellar and serve rare beers.

“I don’t think Albuquerque has anything like it at this point in time,” he said of the project.

Swingle said she is working to lease another 6,500 square feet of space next door which was also once used by Banana Joe’s.