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This past July, the Charlotte Business Journal reported that Sycamore Brewing was looking to move into a space at 2161 Hawkins Street, in Charlotte’s SouthEnd area. The brewery’s founders, Justin and Sarah Brigham, announced today that they have signed a lease for that space. They are shooting for a late spring or early summer opening.

The building is back behind Atherton Mill, a little less than half a mile from the light rail’s East/West Station just off South Boulevard.

“The space itself is really unique,” said Justin Brigham. “After walking what feels like countless industrial sites for over a year, nothing else compared to this building.”

The building was built in 1959 and first used as an automotive garage. Some of the features the Brighams are most excited about are 18-foot ceilings, time-worn concrete floors and two huge garage doors on the side. The building sits on a little more than an acre and a half, which will allow for ample parking and an outdoor beer garden. Inside, the 8,400-square-foot space will hold the brewery itself as well as a taproom, a private events space and a room to house the brewery’s barrel-aging program.

Sycamore has not committed to brewing any specific beers or styles yet, but they will be changing their tap lineup frequently to keep things fresh. They will be purchasing a 15-barrel brewhouse for the new space.

“Beer should be fun and we’re not afraid to push boundaries and challenge perspectives,” said Justin. “Expect some tasty classic styles and seasonals but also expect some creative, off-the-wall recipes.”

One of the things that kept pulling the Brighams back to that building was the neighborhood that surrounds it.

“South End is the perfect neighborhood for an independent business like our brewery,” said Justin. “All of the old industrial buildings (some renovated, some not) give it so much character and personality. To us, South End represents the changing face of Charlotte, and we look forward to becoming part of that exciting, dynamic community.”

In addition to building out the brewery, Sycamore will have to invest in streetscape improvements as required by the city of Charlotte.

“It is a substantial financial investment for a start-up business, but we believe that our brewery and the community will benefit from the improvements,” said Justin.

To follow Sycamore Brewing’s progress as they build their brewery, check their website and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.