Stevensville Village Council members could literally look out the window to see what they were voting on last night when they approved a 12-year tax abatement for the upcoming Watermark Brewing Company across the street from the Village Hall. Everyone's eager for opening day this spring when the new microbrewery swings open the doors for the first time.
Cornerstone Alliance Business Development Team Manager Cathey Tilley made the pitch for the brew team on this phase of the development for the processing side of the house.
The Watermark Brewing Company received approval last evening, March 9, 2016 from the Village Council for a 12-year tax abatement of their $205,500 investment for the processing portion of their brewing facility at 5781 St. Joseph Avenue, literally across the street from the Village Hall.
The Council had previously approved the Commercial Rehabilitation District and the Industrial Development District for the new brewery. Watermark Brewing Company is co-owned by Chris Mason, Justin Schaul and David Cockell, and is slated to open in May.
Chris Mason is CEO of Watermark Brewing and he joined in making the presentation last night. Mason says, “This approval from the Stevensville Village Council puts us that much closer to opening the Watermark Brewing Company." He adds, “We are very excited to be located in the Village of Stevensville and look forward to opening our brewery and serving locally crafted beers.”
Watermark Brewing Company will brew and serve craft beers ranging from IPAs to sour barrel-aged beers, Belgian-style brews and others.
The initial investment for the business is $530,000 and will create 15 jobs. The 5,200 square foot building will house the brewing area as well as the tasting section where patrons can enjoy crafted beers from Michigan’s Great Southwest.
Tilley says, “We are thrilled with the support from the Village of Stevensville as Watermark Brewing Company completes their construction phase.” She notes, “Cornerstone Alliance has been working with Chris and his business partners since 2015 on this venture; it’s great to see their plans come to fruition.”
For more information on Watermark Brewing Company, click this link: http://www.watermarkbrewing.com/ or email watermarkbrewing@gmail.com
