Expansion Brewing in Greenwood
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowGreenwood-based Oaken Barrel Brewing Co. and Franklin-based Bemis Group are planning to buy and renovate a retail center located just off of Interstate 65 on Greenwood’s Main Street. Oaken Barrel says the group plans to invest more than $2.6 million to renovate the Vista Village retail center and rename it Airport Parkway Plaza.
Casey and Bemis Group principal Billy Bemis presented the plans to the Greenwood Redevelopment Commission this week. Along with the name change, the plans include a revitalization of the entire four-acre site and 28,000 square-foot building, updates and additions to the building’s facade and a new front entrance patio dining area for Oaken Barrel.
"We envision Airport Parkway Plaza as a reinvigorated retail anchor for what is a major gateway into downtown Greenwood," said Kwang Casey. "Oaken Barrel has grown steadily since the business opened more than 20 years ago, but what we’ve seen over the past 3-5 years is only beginning to show our true potential with the rise in craft beer interest and popularity. Greenwood is our home, and this is where we want to be. This project will allow Oaken Barrel to remain in Greenwood – and thrive in Greenwood – for many years to come."
Oaken Barrel currently employs nearly 50 at its location inside the retail center and says it plans to expand and hire more once renovations are complete. Greenwood Mayor Mark Myers called Oaken Barrel, which has been in operation since 1994, a "Greenwood icon."
The Greenwood Redevelopment Commission has approved $500,000 to support infrastructure improvements, including parking lot and curb enhancements and work on a nearby retention pond, among others. Oaken Barrel did not give a time frame for the beginning or completion of the renovations.