News
Microbrewery Proposed For Armitage Road In Athens
By: Sara Brumfield | Athens Messenger
Posted on:
A new microbrewery could be coming to Armitage Road pending annexation of two acres of land into the city of Athens.
During Monday’s Athens City Council meeting, attorney Rusty Rittenhouse and local CPA Alex Couladis said they would be seeking annexation of the property, which is located just off Route 682.
The property is close to University Estates and is co-owned by Couladis and his recently deceased aunt’s estate.
“The property’s under contract with the developers subject to annexation, sewer and utilities…” Couladis told Council.
The land that Couladis is looking to sell currently houses a garage that used to be used by University Estates as a service garage. He said the property would be cleaned up and the structure renovated to house a microbrewery.
According to Couladis, the developers have a “very detailed business plan” that includes beer being brewed at the facility and a tasting room for customers. He said there are no plans to make the establishment a bar.
Couladis said the business plans to hire two full-time and two part-time employees when it opens. Because annexation is required to get city water and sewer service to the property, Couladis said closing on the sale of the property isn’t expected until May or June. He added that the Athens Twp. Trustees have expressed their support for the annexation.
“I think it would just add a little bit of character to that area,” Rittenhouse said.
Council members seemed to be supportive of the proposal. Councilwoman Michele Papai said the microbrewery could be a nice addition to the area, which is slated to be connected to the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway in the future.