Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales shows plans for Grand Rapids taproom

Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales shows plans for Grand Rapids taproom
This rendering from Cornerstone Architects shows preliminary drawings for Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales’ Bridge Street taproom.

GRAND RAPIDS — Another Michigan-based craft brewery appears to be considering a satellite location on Grand Rapids’ west side.

Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales — a growing brand owned by Dexter-based Northern United Brewing Co. — has filed preliminary architectural plans with the city to open a taproom and restaurant along Bridge Street NW.

The paperwork shows that Jolly Pumpkin plans a facility on three parcels on the north side of Bridge Street on space that includes the former Red Lion restaurant and a vacant parking lot. The renderings show plans to keep a small portion of the land as a surface parking lot.

The architectural renderings from Grand Rapids-based Cornerstone Architects Inc. PC show space for as many as three dining rooms, an outdoor beer garden and a kitchen.

Executives with Northern United Brewing and Cornerstone Architects did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The company plans to seek input from the city regarding streetscape design. According to a briefing memo, the company has not yet secured financing for the project.

Property records show that all the land where Jolly Pumpkin is proposing to build its facility is owned by Grand Rapids-based Swift Realty LLC, a real estate firm owned by Walt Gutowski.

Gutowski, a former Grand Rapids city commissioner and the owner of Swift Printing Co., previously declined to comment to MiBiz regarding the long-running rumors that Jolly Pumpkin was looking to build on the site.

The brewer of sour and wild ales such as Bam Biére and La Roja has been on a growth streak of late. In late October 2016, Jolly Pumpkin revealed plans for its fourth site — the first one based out-of-state — on Chicago’s south side. News reports last month indicated the company was also considering a location in Bay City.

If Jolly Pumpkin moves forward with its Bridge Street location, it would join other craft breweries that have opened satellite operations along the corridor, including New Holland Brewing Co.’s Knickerbocker Pub and Harmony Brewing Co.’s Harmony Hall, as well as several new and proposed craft-beer-focused restaurants.

Jolly Pumpkin also operates taprooms in Ann Arbor, Traverse City and Detroit, as well as at its brewing facility in Dexter. Parent company Northern United Brewing Co. also makes Grizzly Peak and North Peak craft beer brands, Nomad Cidery, Civilized Spirits and Bonafide Wines.