Switchyard Brewing discusses plans for $4 million brewpub

Working alongside Bloomington, Ind., developer, First Capital Group, Switchyard Brewing Co. will be developing a new destination brewpub on a 1.3-acre site bordering the McDoel Gardens neighborhood that will accommodate a 10,500-square-foot facility, on-site parking and expansive outdoor patio.

“Like many American start-up companies, our dream began several years ago on the workbench of a two-car garage,” said Kurtis Cummings, co-founder of Switchyard Brewing. “After two years of developing our business plan, walking through potential sites, and perfecting our craft, we are incredibly excited to build near the future Switchyard Park.”

Upon completion in mid-2016, the estimated $4 million brewpub project will provide a unique experience, immersing customers with views of the 15 bbl brewhouse and fermentation cellar. The brewpub will also feature co-work and special event spaces, indoor stage for live music and a large, park-like patio.

Designed by local architect Ryan Strauser of Strauser Construction, the new brewpub facility is modeled after the co-founders’ travels.

“After extensive market research, visiting other breweries across the country, talking to owners, employees, and customers along the way, we have combined pieces of our research to create a very unique brewpub experience in South-Central Indiana”, said Michael Korus, co-founder of Switchyard Brewing. “Our plans for Switchyard will reinvent the craft brewing scene locally, giving customers a brand new experience not found yet in Indiana.”

Alongside the announcement, the brewery launched a Kickstarter campaign, dubbed #ShareOurCraft. Depending on contribution level, donors are able to pick up exclusive benefits that will only be offered during the Kickstarter period.

“We want to be the brewery that the community built”, said Korus. “Customers can be part of Bloomington history by purchasing a custom, laser engraved block or patio paver which will be used in the construction of the brewpub. Already, supporters from all over the world have expressed interest in purchasing “Build the Brewery” bricks. It’s also been amazing to see the outpouring of support we’ve received from total strangers.”

Other rewards, which vary by pledge level, range from a ticket to the brewery’s soft opening, to a commemorative hand made beer stein, to “brewer for a day” and other experiences.

Born on the workbench of a two car garage alongside family, friends, and tradition, Switchyard Brewing Co. is an independent Bloomington, Ind., craft brewpub that was founded in 2014 by Indiana natives and talented home-brewers Kurtis Cummings and Michael Korus. First Capital Group directs a portfolio of more than $150 million in assets and over one million square feet of real estate. First Capital Group’s investments include businesses that span several industries, such as real estate, life sciences, healthcare, technology, manufacturing and retail. Strauser Construction Co., Inc. provides General Contracting, Construction Management, Design/Build and Trade Contracting services on commercial, institutional and industrial projects throughout Indiana.