According to the site plan, the new brewery facility and public open space will include a 21,500-square-foot new brewery building, a renovation of the existing 7,200-square-foot granary building with a 6,200-square-foot addition for a new taproom and restaurant, and modifying the existing 3,600-square-foot building to become a barrel-aging facility and covered patio. The outdoor space is planned to have a stage, a beer garden with a water feature, covered patios, play zones and spaces for pop-up shops for vendors to rent. All will be located on 4 acres at 402 E. Louisiana St. in McKinney, and the project will be developed in phases, beginning with the brewery and overall site developments followed by the taproom, the site plan stated.
The vision for the brewery included numerous design exceptions, which staff listed, but also noted that the project is “envisioned to be a campus-style and entertainment destination reminiscent of the area’s industrial feel of the site.” With that in mind, staff recommended approval.
This approval was echoed by the commission.
“The exceptions, while numerous, don't seem to be unordinary to what we're doing here as far as trying to repurpose an existing older facility,” Commissioner Brian Mantzey said.
Keith Lewis, owner and founder of Tupps Brewery, said at the meeting that people he ran into would implore him not to get rid of the “vibe” that exists in the current location, and that he has reached out to residents on this side of the city to hear their input.
“We have got to continue as we build the site to listen to the residents on the east side,” he said. “Especially the ones that live right around where we are because it is going to be a manufacturing facility that is there. But I can guarantee it will be a much better manufacturing facility than the one that was there before.”
Commissioners approved the site plan unanimously.
