PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — The Parkersburg Brewing Company has taken possession of the West Virginia University at Parkersburg Downtown Center and plans to begin construction and open sometime this fall.
The deal for the property at 707 Market St. was finalized on Wednesday, said Senta Goudy, WVU-P vice president of institutional advancement. The Parkersburg Brewing Company bought the property for $251,001.
“They really have some great plans for that location,” Goudy said.
Dan Curtis and Justin Logue reached an agreement in December to purchase the 13,000-square-foot property from the university. They plan to convert it to a brewery and taproom featuring a “high-end, historical, cultural atmosphere,” Curtis said.
The site was where the university operated its short-lived culinary arts program and includes a kitchen.
Having closed on the property, Curtis and Logue are ready to start construction soon on the interior to install a seven-barrel, electric brewery, a taproom and a 2,000-square-foot seating area.
“We are hoping to start construction next week,” Curtis said. “We hope to have our doors open this fall.”
Their contractor has been inside the building taking measurements and getting ready to start work.
The company has identified six “flagship” beers that will initially be available in the taproom: a Pale Ale, IPA, Black IPA, Hefeweizen, Brown Ale and Oatmeal Stout. Three of those will be distributed to other establishments in the region that serve craft beers.
The taproom will also have different specialty beers on a rotating basis, Curtis said.
In addition, the brewery will offer 64-ounce Growlers and the newer 32-ounce Growler.
The taproom will initially serve light food fare and will offer other beverages like wine, soft drinks and water.
The second floor of the building won’t be used in the beginning, but Curtis has said he hopes to eventually offer it as a site for events like corporate gatherings and rehearsal dinners.
The company was interested in being a part of the downtown revitalization efforts.
“This was a perfect fit for us,” Curtis said.
Being near the Parkersburg Art Center and the Actors Guild of Parkersburg put them in a place that could add to what was already happening downtown, he said.
“It is a great spot for us,” Curtis said. “Now it is full-speed ahead on construction.”
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