A project to open a craft beer microbrewery in the South Loop could get a helping hand from the city.
Mayor Emanuel introduced an ordinance at Thursday's City Council meeting to give Broad Shoulders Brewing up to $628,000 in tax increment financing to be used toward rehabbing the building at 2337 S. Michigan Ave.
The $2.5 million project will renovate the former Federal Motor Car Company showroom built in 1910 in the city's historic Motor Row district into a 8,800-square-foot microbrewery with a tasting room and distribution and office space. The project would create four full-time jobs and 25 temporary jobs, according to a news release issued by Emanuel's office.
The microbrewery's head brewer is former Goose Island employee Frank Lassandrello, who will brew ales and lagers and focus on two year-round beers: American Session Lager and an India Pale Lager. There will be some seasonable brews and its beer will be packaged in 12-ounce cans available in six-packs.
Broad Shoulders Brewing is not to be confused with Big Shoulders Beer Company, another Chicago brewery project in the works.
The council's finance committee will consider the proposal before it goes to the full council for approval at a later date.
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