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Moen said the resurgence of Riversdale is similar to what he has seen happen in East Vancouver, and he hopes to be a part of the fabric that’s already developing.

“This neighbourhood is in the thick of where we are seeing a lot of vibrancy,” he said. “We have roots here.”

Ward 2 Coun. Pat Lorje said she anticipates the tavern will likely get approval, adding she has heard from similarly-minded businesses that are lining up to get into the neighbourhood.

“This is one of those happy instances when residents and the businesses are both in agreement,” Lorje said of the tavern application.

“I think it is quite wonderful rejuvenation.”

While the neighbourhood has seen a variety of new businesses opening in the past few years, Moen said the brew pub is a new concept to Riversdale

They are already thinking of the menu, but Moen said he and his partner hope to offer something new to the city.

“We plan on being friendly with our neighbours,” he said. “If someone wanted to bring in food from one of the nearby restaurants, they can feel free to do so.”

Moen also acknowledged the challenge of setting up a brewing operation within an existing space. The brew pub will be housed in a building once known as Victory Manor, which hosted a list of other tenants, including an art gallery and collective, a jam space, a bike shop and a soup kitchen.

“It’s going to require a lot of work, but once we are up and running we will have a space for people to quaff their beverages. The plan has always been for the beer to be front and centre.”