Brewers of Indiana Guild Proposal for Indiana Canal Guild House

Proposal for Redevelopment
of Canal Property Real Estate

Subject Parcel: 1034 N. Missouri Street, Indianapolis, IN
(Southwest corner of N. Missouri and 11^th Street)

Deadline for Submission to BOS Community Development Corp: July 25, 2003

Submitted by Brewers of Indiana Guild, Inc.

John Hill, President

Julie Grelle, Secretary /Treasurer

Postal Mailing Address:  840 East 65^th Street, Indianapolis, IN  46220

Executive Summary

            This proposal for renovation of the former Simpson Chapel, now known as the Bugg’s Temple, would establish The Indiana Canal Guild House, a full-service restaurant and community education and conferencing facility, whose focus is celebrating the history and redevelopment of the Indiana Canal, with a primary emphasis on Indiana manufacturers, Indiana agricultural producers and Indiana artisans.  It has the potential to become a significant national tourism destination through its unique non-profit partnership with educational institutions and Hoosier small businesses[1].

            It is critical that the City of Indianapolis and the Department of Metropolitan Development choose wisely in selecting its “partner” for the renovation and retail development of the former church building located on the Indianapolis Canal Walk.  The prime location and need for additional restaurant development along the canal makes this project attractive to many commercial interests.  However, this project is unique in scope, due to the desire for a historically sensitive renovation, the need for facilities available for public use, and the opportunity to showcase the history of the building, the canal in general, and the heritage of Indiana’s manufacturers and producers.

            The redevelopment for the proposed Indiana Canal Guild House, a restaurant and community meeting, educational facility, will be multi-purpose:   

• to promote cultural tourism; 
• to provide educational training and apprenticeship/employment opportunities for culinary, hospitality management, brewery technician and entrepreneurial management programs, administered by a state university curriculum program; 
• to support Indiana manufacturing and agricultural producers by featuring Indiana’s products, while celebrating the history of the Canal, the history of the building, and the history of Indiana producers through the incorporation of public art;
• to provide a venue for performing artists, both musical and theatrical   
• to renovate and maintain a historically significant building that is a vibrant component of the downtown Canal Walk for use by the community; 
• to generate sales, excise, and income tax revenues for the City and State of Indiana. 

Introduction

            The plan proposed by the Brewers of Indiana Guild, Inc. (a non-Profit Section 501 (c) 6 trade association)[2] will accomplish these goals for the City of Indianapolis, and at the same time establishes a truly unique, non-profit, education-focused, philanthropic partnership between small Indiana businesses and State educational institution(s).  This partnership is visionary, not just for Indianapolis, but throughout the entire country, with respect to its draw for tourism.  In establishing this partnership through the proposed creation of the Indiana Canal Guild House, the Brewers of Indiana Guild incorporates the goals expressed by our Mission Statement:

            “The Brewers of Indiana Guild (BIG) was organized to provide a unifying voice for the microbrewers in Indiana, promoting public awareness and appreciation for the quality and variety of beer produced in Indiana, through economic development, academic research, and educational programs.  In our activities, we aim to bring benefits to a much larger community than just our members.”

Project Description

            The Brewers of Indiana Guild proposes that The Indiana Canal Guild House would be ultimately owned either by Purdue or the state university who administers the educational programs involved, the State of Indiana, or a private philanthropic-minded developer.  Total funding from the university partner or from state and/or federal grants eliminates the overhead cost of rent, maximizing the capital available for educational applications.

            Income generated by the operation of the restaurant would be used to provide funding to support the administrative expenses and marketing activities of the Brewers of Indiana Guild, which would include the establishment of scholarships for the educational programs administered through The Indiana Canal Guild House.  The Indiana General Assembly realized the importance of funding fermentation studies and agricultural programs in 1989, when it created the Indiana Wine Grape Market Development Council and Fund.  That legislation has provided valuable support to Indiana’s wineries, and has assisted in the growth and continued

development of this segment of Indiana’s agricultural heritage.[3]  Unfortunately, the current state economic climate makes the establishment of a similar excise tax funding that would provide related marketing, research, and economic development programs for the Indiana microbrewery industry very unlikely.[4]

            By establishing The Indiana Canal Guild House, the cooperative efforts of Indiana wineries, craftbrewers, The Center for Agricultural Science and Heritage[5], Purdue University[6], and visual[7] and performing artists, along with the City of Indianapolis and the State, would create a public educational and cultural tourism partnership, with a self-sustaining, market-based revenue source that would support our non-profit organization’s activities, and the funding would not be based on increases or diversions of General Fund tax collections.  At the same time, Indiana’s agricultural product producers throughout the state would be showcased in one central location, while being a component of a truly unique tourism attraction. By celebrating our State’s history, our focus on education and the visual and performing arts, this proposed redevelopment has great potential for national recognition based on the not-for-profit focus and educational partnerships[8] involved in The Indiana Canal Guild House.  This proposal addresses the need for a retail restaurant / entertainment / public use establishment to complement the development of the Canal in a way that exceeds the obvious highest and best uses of this city-owned parcel proposed by any other redevelopment project.

Project Components

Educational Focus

            The idea for this proposal finds its roots in the educational experience of John Hill, owner of the Broad Ripple Brewpub.  As an indentured apprentice in England, he went to school during the evening and had the opportunity to apply his trade, electrical engineering, as an employee in the factory during the day.  Remembering the value of using his trade instruction while earning a living wage on a daily basis inspired his idea of partnering with a teaching institution that already provides program services in culinary arts, hospitality management, and/or food science programs. By creating The Indiana Canal Guild House, the education partner operates a uniquely Hoosier-focused restaurant that will supplement that educational programming by having access to a real-world workplace to put that instruction into practice.  Students enrolled in the programs of the partner institution would have the opportunity for employment, apprentice or internship learning in addition to the academic curriculum of the university, supplemented by the experience of successful Indiana small business owners through mentoring offered by the Brewers of Indiana Guild members. 

            The success of partnering of students with small business manufacturing producers has been demonstrated by the Brewlab Brewing Technology course, University of Sunderland, a recognized center for brewing studies in the North East of England[9].  Students apply the chemistry learned in the classroom to produce ales and lagers from recipes translated from historic breweries, as well as experimental development of new formulations.  A reported 80% of the students obtain employment in the worldwide brewing industry[10].  Just as Junior Achievement pairs business executives with students to demonstrate the financial, production, marketing and regulatory aspects of business, The Guild House would provide exposure for “real world” experience and expertise to these university students in their areas of chosen study.

            There is a significant need for development of a Brewery Technician curriculum, and a Master of Brewing Studies curriculum, and Purdue and/or IUPUI is an attractive regional location.  Currently, the University of California at Davis is the only public university undergraduate program that offers this training in North America[11].  All other brewing studies courses are “certification” programs, and are not public, undergraduate university degree-earning programs[12].  While these programs are very effective in the quality of instruction provided, they are very expensive, last for 2-3 weeks, and do not result in a bachelor of science degree from a university.

            There is an obvious synergy with Purdue’s existing Food Science Program that houses the pilot winery, marketing and public relations administrative staff, research staff and laboratory services for the Indiana Wine Grape Council[13], in addition to their Engineering and Business Management Programs.  The Guild House could become an integral partner in the development of a zymurgy curriculum, the branch of applied chemistry that deals with fermentation processes, as in wine making or brewing.   The location on the Canal lends itself to capitalizing on the silent companions of universities, hospitals, parks and state government.  Maximizing the potential educational opportunities of this project ties into the city and state’s Life Sciences Initiative[14], and could help reduce the “brain-drain” of students who leave Indiana for other states. Don Gentry, Vice Provost of Engagement, Purdue University, has stated their desire well:

  “WANTED- Indiana businesses, communities and statewide organizations that wish to improve the economic climate and better their quality of life.  Major research university seeks long-term relationship that will leverage the intellectual capital that helps companies compete and provides opportunities for faculty service and student growth.  Call 1-888-EXT-INFO for more information.” [15]

            While program development would require university trustee approval, the Brewers of Indiana Guild proposal presented here does have preliminary support from Purdue University7.              The Guild House would offer continuing adult education programming by being a training site for the Association of Brewers Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) course[16].  The success of the Indy International Wine Competition, and the growing interest in the craft of fermentation, led to the suggestion by Indiana State Fairboard Directors for initiation of a brewers’ competition.  As a partner with the Indiana State Fair[17], the Brewers of Indiana Guild has coordinated the Indiana State Fair Brewers Cup Competition since its inception in 1998.   With entries accepted in the 67 internationally recognized ale and lager style categories[18], the ability for the competition to grow is hindered by the need for more BJCP judges.  Currently judges from the surrounding states of Kentucky, Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio participate at the ISF Brewers Cup, but overlapping schedules between state fairs causes a competition for judges.  The BJCP course is a two-year certification with a very rigorous testing process.  An Indianapolis facility for hosting this program is a definite need to be met.

            Because of the many and varied opportunities for instruction, it is very important that The Guild House have meeting and conference room facilities.  The basement of the building will need to be configured for restaurant kitchen, some brewery equipment and storage, mechanicals and meeting room space.  The Brewers of Indiana Guild proposes that the basement conferencing space be offered, subject to availability, to neighborhood and community non-profit groups, as well as the Community Development Corporation and City officials for meetings at no charge.  The conference space would be available to other parties subject to availability, and would be an additional source of revenue[19].

Retail / Commercial Focus

            While there may be many well-funded business applicants able and willing to complete the renovations needed for historical tax credit benefits, private ownership of the building may limit the ability for maximum public use of the facility.  Since the Indianapolis Central Canal is one of the most important reminders of the State’s past[20], it is important for the City to partner with an entity that has true synergy with its history, and a shared vision for the future, in addition to a motivation and ability for generating revenues.  Because of the demand among visitors and users of the canal for places to go to eat and drink, the highest and best retail commercial application with a public use component for this parcel is consistent with the vision of The Indiana Canal Guild House. 

            As a central pub featuring products made by Indiana’s producers, in addition to the beers brewed onsite from a working pilot brewery, it fills the need for an additional restaurant on the Canal, with a unique tourist-attraction component that other restaurant operators cannot easily provide.  While other cities our size often feature brewery districts with a critical mass of microbreweries and brewpubs, Indiana lags far behind in the development of this tourist-attracting industry.[21]  By purchasing the beverages produced from all around the state, this Indianapolis-based entity also provides economic development and support that extends to any community throughout the state that is home to one of Indiana’s nineteen microbrewery facilities[22], in addition to providing a central retail outlet for Indiana’s wineries[23].  This Guild House would answer the distribution problems that the Indiana small manufacturers face when working with large wholesalers, who may warehouse locally produced products, but often do not actively promote Indiana brands versus the wines, imports, and microbrews from larger, national and regional producers[24] [25].   

            The Indiana Canal Guild House would be a partner for local Farmers Markets, using their goods as a primary source of supply for purchase.  This meets a goal of the Center for Agricultural Science and Heritage, and partners with its mission of promoting Indiana’s agricultural producers while teaching about the heritage and future of farming[26].

            Just as the Canal was originally designed to run throughout the entire State, tying individual communities together by offering a system for transport of goods, The Guild House would enhance the transport and sale of goods produced by Indiana’s manufacturers and agricultural producers.  Sharing this connection to out-of-state visitors and local patrons would serve to educate the public about the heritage and original purpose of the Canal.

            As a unique tourist attraction, the demand for retail merchandise sales of locally produced products will be significant.  By expanding past the usual inventory of breweriana and  including agricultural items (honey, mustards, soy soaps, soy candles, barbeque sauces, bottled products), books on the history of the agricultural producers in Indiana, the cookbooks produced by the Center for Agricultural Science and the Brewers of Indiana Guild, home fermentation kits for making beer and wine, plus root beer and cream sodas, logo retail merchandise[27], in addition to works of art, it will provide an additional revenue source, for both the Indiana producers and for the city and state through sales tax revenues. 

Manufacturing Focus

            Through the installation of the pilot brewery, in addition to the manufacturers featured from around the state, The Indiana Canal Guild House brewery would be used for onsite production, including experimental recipe development, and for use by Indiana’s microbrewers who could also use their own recipes to brew on a “featured basis”.  The brewery would be used to educate the public on the brewing process, through tours that would tie into Indiana’s manufacturing heritage.  It would also be available for training purposes, to teach future brewery entrepreneurs in a working, real-world setting, with the guidance of successful mentors who have already gained the experience.

            The installation of the brewery would be planned to also showcase the Canal.  Its system of locks, canals, drains and means for transport would be used to explain the brewing process, which is yet another system of drains, locks, and transfer of fluids.  The brewery floor drains could incorporate the Canal design and serve as a scale model of the Downtown Canal District, with floor tiles designating the landmark features of parks and buildings of the Canal and downtown.  This continues the concept of public art used in the design of the Indiana State Museum and along the limestone walks of the White River State Trailway.

            The beers produced would help staff tell the history of the City and the Canal by incorporating the use of names from the past in the names of beers.  With historic City landmark names like Golden Hill Pale Ale, Fairview Park Porter, “Old Dock” Bock, Wheelmen Wheat, Mule Kick Strong Ale, patrons would have the opportunity to be told about the history of the Canal from its inception in the early 1830’s through the beers produced onsite21.

Cultural and Public Arts Focus

            Nine out of the current nineteen microbreweries in the state are establishments located in historic district or economic development areas.  Nationally, microbrewers have proved to be a vital component for cities with a focus on economic revitalization and development.29  The use of local artisans to incorporate public art in their private businesses has been very successfully accomplished, and would be a vital component of The Guild House.  Recognizing the need to preserve our architectural heritage as well as the need for redevelopment of the existing building, this proposal calls for a historically sensitive renovation, versus a restoration according to historic guidelines[29].  It is not anticipated that the proposal as presented here by the Brewers of Indiana Guild would be eligible for historic restoration tax credits.

            Artists would be identified through various arts organizations and schools, including the Indianapolis Downtown Artists and Dealers Association (IDADA)8, the Indianapolis Art Center[30], the Arts Council of Indianapolis, the IUPUI Herron School of Art, the Department of Art and Design at the University of Indianapolis, the Department of Art at Purdue University and Indiana Wesleyan Universities.

            Visual artisans would be commissioned for stained glass depictions within the center of the larger windows, and the images would show the history of the Hoosier artisans who constructed the bridges, aqueducts, wooden walls and masonry locks, in addition to the Irish immigrants who cleared and excavated the Canal.  Art and narrative wall plaques should be used to show the heritage of the building as a church, in addition to structural artwork used as a part of the building renovation.  The interior offers the opportunity for gallery display of works by Indiana artists on a rotating exhibit basis.

            The theatre venue of the building, with balcony seating and stage / altar, creates a natural setting for performing arts, by both theatric productions and musical artists. Offering musical performances is another opportunity to emphasize the building’s heritage as a church, since music is such an important component of worship by all faiths.  This focus on music appreciation offers additional opportunities for performances by local musicians, either independently or through partnership with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra or other performing arts groups.[31]  The Indianapolis Canal and the White River Parks Trailway starts at the Indianapolis Arts Center in Broad Ripple, flows to the IMA, the Indiana State Museum, the Indiana Historical Society and ends at the proposed site for The Indiana Canal Guild House.  Outdoor musical performances are a vital programming component offered by these neighboring arts facilities, and should be an important outdoor feature of The Indiana Canal Guild House. Outdoor table seating would greatly enhance the public enjoyment of the Canal, is a component depicted in the conceptual renderings for this site redevelopment, and is a very necessary component for this proposal, to provide additional income generating seats in addition to the park bench and grassy terraced seating.  The opportunity exists for outdoor weddings, conference group social hours, in addition to performances and special events, with catering and beverage sales services provided by The Guild House.  Because the ramp system allows for free flow of bicycle and pedestrian traffic, table seating would be a valuable enhancement that would not take away from the general public’s enjoyment of the Canal.

            The Brewers of Indiana Guild proposal for The Canal Guild House, with its non-profit philanthropic focus, serves to celebrate the original heritage of the building as a church.  The history of the congregation would be presented through use of narrative wall plaque(s).  In addition, The Guild House, whose original African Methodist Episcopal congregation served the neighboring black community since its origin in 1880[32], could become a stopping place for refreshments during the African-American Heritage Tours[33] conducted by the Historic Landmarks Foundation.  Another way to recognize the building’s religious heritage would be to serve as a distribution site for locally published P+O+W+E+R magazine, a free publication that presents articles on self-improvement, theology, community events and the arts-related events, with a targeted voice to Indianapolis’ African-American community.[34]

Project Funding Partners

            Initial estimates, based on conducting a historically-sensitive renovation and development for a retail use, including construction of interior, public-use, handicapped- accessible restrooms, put the cost of initial structural renovation in the $1.25 million dollar range35.  This does not include the cost of restaurant and brewery equipment, nor does it include the commissioning of public art and displays depicting the history of the Canal as outlined.  This does not include the cost of the construction, nor the water and utilities to maintain the city-required public access restrooms.  For liability reasons[35], in addition to the interior restrooms, this proposal may require the additional component of exterior restrooms, available to the public accessing the Canal Walk.  As a working restaurant, as with any other retail establishment, 24 hour public interior access is not feasible, due to security and vandalism concerns, not to mention OSHA restrictions for the microbrewery.  The provision of public use restrooms can be included in this project, but may require construction of a separate exterior structure.  Location, size, access to utilities, easement access or transfer of land for the construction of the restrooms will need to be negotiated with the City before a cost can be attached to this component of the City’s requirements.  These issues must be addressed before any of the potential funding partners can make an informed decision as to design plans and total funds required for financing.  However, regardless of the need for these negotiations, this project does have commitments for initial financing for development[36], and has identified firms to provide architectural and engineering38 and general contracting and construction management services39.  

University Funding

            Purdue, IUPUI, and IVY Tech Community College are all state universities with current programs in the areas of food science, hospitality management, culinary arts and/or industrial technology.  Each of these institutions has the potential capital resources required to fund the physical restoration and construction of the building, and the ability to retain ownership of the parcel.  All would be proper “guardians” of the Canal and partners with the City of Indianapolis and the Brewers of Indiana Guild in maximizing the public use opportunities proposed for The Guild House. 

            Purdue would seem to be the most logical partner, because of its heritage as a land grant institution, its experience with public funding through administration of check-off programs and grants, and its involvement with the Indiana Wine Grape Council through the Food Science Department14.  If being decentralized from the West Lafayette campus is perceived as an obstacle, the administration of programs and services, including administration of funding to benefit the Brewers of Indiana Guild, could be coordinated through IUPUI, a neighboring stakeholder in the Canal redevelopment, and a partner in promoting Indianapolis as an enriching place to live because of its cultural offerings40.

Grant Funding

            The nature and scope of The Guild House as it is proposed herein by the Brewers of Indiana Guild would have potential for Indiana State Grants through the following departments: Tourism, Commerce, Transportation, Arts Commission, Parks, and Commission of Agriculture.  The Commissioner of Agriculture provides funding through grants to support the special events and marketing efforts of the Indiana Wine Grape Council, in addition to the funding received from General Fund collections.  State grants of this nature would support the goals of tourism featured on the Enjoy Indiana Festival Guide by featuring delicious food, bringing people to Indiana, celebrating the arts, and visiting the past41.  In addition, because of the heritage and historical components, there may be qualification for the following Federal Grant programs:  Transportation, Education, Agriculture, among others.  If funding for The Guild House was 100% provided through grants, the Brewers of Indiana Guild would propose that ownership of the site would either stay City-owned as an integral part of the Canal, or go to the State of Indiana, possibly as a State office building property. This is a precedent that has already been established through the development of similar historical education and conferencing facilities42.

Adjacent Business Funding

            Clarian owns all adjacent property, has shown a willingness to invest in innovative projects that affect the public good with projects like their elevated “People Mover”, and they retain the future parking spaces that would be used by patrons of The Guild House.  By putting up the funds needed for the program development proposed by Brewers of Indiana Guild, Clarian would have the opportunity for ownership of a valuable land parcel, and receive philanthropic support for one of their fund raising associations, such as the Riley Foundation.

            In keeping with the Life Sciences Initiative and the task of the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association, many of the Indiana producers enjoy a large base of customers who are members of the healthcare and university professional communities.  The demographic of the small farm winery and microbrewery customer includes those educated, higher income, arts appreciating consumers that will be frequent patrons of the Canal and its associated amenities.  With the IVCA focus on attracting events related to the healthcare, university, and bioscience industries, the Indiana Canal Guild House would be a valuable partner of the ICVA and the Central Indiana Life Sciences Initiative.

Background Information on the Indiana Microbrewery Industry and BIG

Renewal of a Once Thriving Industry

            Rice and Kroener established the first Indiana brewery in Evansville in 1837.  Prior to Prohibition, Indiana, due to its central distribution location, was at the center of a thriving regional hub of manufacturing43.  The first Indiana microbrewery in Indiana after Prohibition was the Indianapolis Brewing Company, established in 1989 on the eastside of Marion County.  The birth of the craft brewpub (a microbrewery with onsite restaurant) industry in Indiana began in 1990 along the banks of the Indiana Central Canal in Broad Ripple when John Hill constructed and established the Broad Ripple Brewing Company.  As a graduate of the Seibel Institute for Brewing Studies, an electrical engineer by education, and a commercial construction general contractor by trade, he had the skills and talents required to design and construct a traditional English-style brewpub, reminiscent of those found in his former homeland.  Having already built The Wellington and Corner Wine Bar, operated by his wife, Nancy, the Hills have had a defining presence in the retail/business community of Broad Ripple and Indiana as a whole.

            Prior to starting his own retail establishments, John Hill developed his experience in public redevelopment projects as the framing contractor for Goodwin Plaza, which was the first BOS Community Development Corporation project.  John and Nancy Hill have provided mentoring and philanthropic support to many non-profit organizations, both personally and through the partnerships of their businesses, to groups including the Indiana Women’s Prison, the Indianapolis Art Center, the Indianapolis Humane Society, Broad Ripple High School’s Theatre and Music Magnet Programs, St Richard’s School, the Indianapolis Museum of Art, and the Center for Agricultural Science and Heritage.   

            In 1982, Federal law, for the first time since Prohibition, allowed a brewery to sell its product on premise, and sell food as well.  The first brewpub in the nation opened in Yakima, Washington.  Not all states changed their laws to meet the Federal law, which explains why some states have a more established microbrewery industry.  As the first brewpub established in Indiana since the repeal of Prohibition, John Hill has served as a mentor for other small business entrepreneurs seeking guidance for establishing microbrewery manufacturing facilities in their own communities.  Tom Schmidt, owner of Mishawaka Brewing Company, followed the model of manufacturing brewery, selling to adjacent restaurant business owned by another individual, albeit his wife, which was the only way to brew and sell (in)directly to the public, due to the Indiana law.  Jeff Mease, owner of Lennie’s, an established Bloomington restaurant, together with Greg Emig, (then the brewer a  Broad Ripple Brewpub), worked with State Representative Mark Kruzan (D, Bloomington) to enact legislation which clearly defined the small Indiana Brewers Permit44.

            With the enactment that legislation, Greg Emig, along with his wife and brother, opened the Lafayette Brewing Company in 1993.  In 1994, engineering buddies Brook Belli (civic), Bill Fulton (chemical), and Korean Irishman Kwan Casey (electrical), opened Oaken Barrel Brewing Company in Greenwood.

            In 1995, the Indiana microbrewery industry saw an expanded growth with the beginning of operations of Circle V Brewing Company in Castleton, owned by Curt and Julie Grelle and Mark and Julie Vojnovich.  This was the year of the entrance of corporate-owned out-of-state brewers, Alcatraz Brewing (CA) and Rock Bottom Brewing (CO), as partners in the Indianapolis downtown rebirth associated with the opening of the Circle Center Mall. 

            In 1996, the desirability of northeastern Marion County brought the opening of another independently owned brewpub, Glacier’s End, located inside the Castleton Mall.   

Wildcat Brewing Company, a new concept for the Bombay Bicycle Club chain, opened with an extract brewing system on the Michigan Road retail corridor of Indy’s northwest side.  In Evansville, owner Tom Turoni of Turoni’s Pizzary & Bakery, a local establishment for more than 30- years, established a microbrewery which now operates as the Main Street Brewery in Evansville.  In addition, Oaken Barrel established a second operation through the acquisition of equipment and spaces leased by the Indianapolis brewing Company.  They also acquired the rights to recipes and other intellectual properties of the former IBC.

            The period of 1997-98 saw the most rapid expansion of microbrewery openings in Indiana, with Silver Creek Brewing in New Albany, Three Floyds Brewing in Hammond (then moving to larger facility in Munster), Mad Anthony Brewing Company in Ft. Wayne, Upland Brewing in Bloomington, Good Fellows Brewing in Bloomington, Back Road Brewing in LaPorte, Duneland Brewing Company in Michigan City, and Florida-based chain “HOPS!”, in the Castleton-area of Indianapolis. 

            During 1999, Indiana saw the openings of Ram Restaurant & BigHorn Brewery (employing the former assistant brewer from Circle V Brewing) in Indianapolis, the Oyster Bar Brewery in Ft. Wayne, and the Terre Haute Brewing Company.

            In 2000 was the opening of Barley Island Brewing in Noblesville, and followed by Aberdeen Brewing Company in Valparaiso.  The most recent microbrewery in Indiana is New Albanian Brewing Company which started brewing in 2002.  Today, the Indiana microbrewery industry is comprised of 19 small brewery businesses located in thirteen different counties, and employs 855 Hoosiers.  Beer manufactured and sold by Indiana microbrewers both by self-distribution and through wholesale distributors, represents 0.25% of the total amount of beer sold in Indiana.

Origins of the Brewers of Indiana Guild

            As a renewed, growing industry, the microbrewers in Indiana have a fraternal relationship, with a primary focus on the successful management of each individual’s business, but with a “Panhellenic” concern for the success, growth, and perception about the quality of the microbrewery industry in Indiana45.  

            Exposing Hoosiers to the quality and variety of beers produced in Indiana was a primary goal when in 1996, John Hill and Head Brewer Kevin Matalucci organized the first ever Indiana Microbrewers’ Festival, held in Broad Ripple’s Optimist Park, with all proceeds benefiting the Indianapolis Humane Society.  Having created what is recognized as the premier microbrewers’ festival hosted in Indianapolis, this event has been a sellout every year, attracting more than 3000 craft beer enthusiasts, and has been a primary fund raising event for the Humane Society.

            Indiana microbrewer’s cooperative participation in the Microbrewers’ Festival led to the organization of the Indiana State Fair Brewers’ Competition in 1998.   This new program was added as a special event judged for the first time in 1999, and has continued since then as an Indiana State Fair Open Class Competition18.  The ISF Brewers’ Cup Competition maintains the rigorous standards established by the Beer Judge Certification Program and the style guidelines set by the national Association of Brewers.  In the five years since the competition was started by founding members of the Brewers of Indiana Guild, the number of entries has increased by 100%, with 57 different style categories represented.  While the Professional Brewer division is currently limited to Indiana, the 2003 Homebrewer Division had entries from Indiana, Illinois, Ohio Kentucky and Georgia.

            The cooperative participation in the Microbrewers Festival and the ISF Brewers Cup formed the basis for establishing the Brewers of Indiana Guild.  Although members had been meeting regularly to coordinate events and projects, there was no formalized structure of an organization46.  In November of 2000, members John Hill, Julie Grelle, and Brook Belli registered the Brewers of Indiana Guild, Inc. with the Indiana Secretary of State as a professional trade organization47.  In January of 2002, members approved by-laws, a mission statement, and a membership dues structure.  In May 2003, the Brewers of Indiana Guild, Inc. made application for non-profit trade organization status to the Internal Revenue Service under Section 501(a), and the IRS Letter of Exemption was received, dated July 22, 2003. 

            To date, the Brewers of Indiana Guild has generated operating funds through dues from Brewery Members and Associate Memberships, and through in-kind donations.  Funds have been used to produce a logo and for the preliminary design of the Guild website, http://www.brewersofindianaguild.com.  Officers, Board of Directors, and participating members all serve as volunteers.