Michelle Willard

mwillard@dnj.com

MURFREESBORO — Franklin-based Mantra Artisan Ales has plans in the works to build a massive brewery and mixed-use complex on John Bragg Highway east of Murfreesboro.

The plans for Steel Barrel Brewing Co., which were unanimously approved by the Regional Planning Commission on Monday night, call for a planned-unit development on the 82.4-acre lot at 6790 John Bragg Highway near Floration Road, according to a site plan provided to the Rutherford County Planning Department. The plans must be approved by the full County Commission to be finalized.

“One of the main goals of this brewery is to promote agri-tourism through the growing of materials onsite, which are needed for producing the locally crafted beers,” Rob Molchan from SEC Inc. wrote in the site plan on behalf of the applicant, Mark Jones.

Jones has partnered with Derrick Morse for the project. Morse is a partner in Mantra Artisan Ales, which is a collaboration with celebrity chef Maneet Chauhan.

Described as similar to Arrington Vineyards, the initial project will have a 15,000-square-foot facility for the brewing of craft beers, a tap room for beer sampling and sales, a sensory room, and labs, Molchan said at the Planning Commission. The labs will also be used for the new fermentation science program at MTSU, which is slated to start in the fall semester of 2017.

“The students who are enrolled in the program will utilize lab space in the facility dealing with fermentation and brewing," Molchan said. "They will also work on the culti­vation of hops that will be grown on-site to be used in the brewing of craft beers."

Bud Fischer, MTSU College of Basic and Applied Sciences dean, told the commission Monday night the degree program will deal with brewing, food and produce, and ethanol.

"We are very excited about this opportunity. ... This will give our students hands-on opportunities," Fischer said.

According to a site plan, the brewery will offer a variety of amenities and outdoor programs, including a par-3 golf hole, a nine-hole disc golf course, an outdoor event venue, picnic tables for outdoor dining and beer tasting events, and a 40-acre pasture for livestock.

More than 79 acres of the 82-acre site will remain green space with plans for the brewery to grow and cultivate its own hops on site.

The project will be completed in two phases. First, Steel Barrel Brewing will construct the brewery building, driveway and parking area. Groundbreaking will be held within the next three months, according to the site plan.

The next phase will add storage and event buildings, a canning area and additional fermenters.

The developers said full build-out will not be complete for 10 to 15 years, at which time art events, weddings, and possibly a bed and breakfast could be added.

Chauhan said in a statement last year that she and her husband, Vivek Deora, have tinkered for years with spices and other “bold flavors” in beer. Mantra Artisan Ales, she said, is a “dream project” of theirs.

Chauhan operates Chauhan Ale & Masala House in Nashville, is featured as a judge on “Chopped,” appeared on “The Next Iron Chef” and “Iron Chef America” on the Food Network and has made guest appearances on “The View” and “Today” show.

Reach Michelle Willard at 615-278-5164, on Twitter @MichWillard or on Facebook at facebook.com/DNJBusiness.