A Solon brewery is expanding to Iowa City.

Big Grove Brewery will be the first, new development in the new Riverfront Crossings area which is near the intersection of Gilbert Street and Highway six on the southeast side of Iowa City. The city is in the middle of building it up and making it a place for adults to dine and drink and for kids to play. The new location is big - very big - but that's exactly what Executive Chef Benjamin Smart wanted.

"It's a large space, over 500 seats. We also have a room that could potentially be private event space" said Smart.

The plans include space for a big stage, as well as indoor and outdoor seating. One of the brewery's owners, Matthew Swift, said while Solon's location is a small boutique brewery, Iowa City's layout is much more open and relaxed.

"A place where you can come as you are, in a suit or sweatpants, whatever you want. Come here and hang out, you can play some games, listen to music, drink some beers" said Swift.

Karen Howard, a planner with the Neighborhood Development Services of Iowa City, said the brewery will add potential to the rest of the neighborhood.

"There will be quite a few new residents in the area, new mixed use buildings going up in the future so we're just really excited about how this is transforming this whole area of the community" said Howard.

Howard said there are plans to make the area more pedestrian friendly as the park restoration continues.

"Now it's going to become a new riverfront park and we knew that would be a real catalyst for redevelopment in this area" said Howard.

Swift said the city has been crucial to the construction process.

"They worked really well with us in putting it all together and making our dream come to life and then also really helping us by activating the park for our guests as well which I think is going to be huge" said Swift.

It may be a brewery but the executive chef said it will be a family friendly environment.

"We want people to feel comfortable coming in and spending a couple hours with their kids and not feel like they're interrupting someone else's good time" said Smart.

Swift said he's pumped for the grand opening in March.

"To finally find a location and a spot and somewhere we can call home, we have our Solon spot and now our Iowa City spot. We just feel it's a good marriage" said Swift.

The soft and grand openings for Big Grove Brewery in Iowa City will take place in mid-March but a specific date has not yet been set.