A historic mill building in Manchester will be transformed into a craft brewery and taproom after the Planning and Zoning Commission approved the project on Feb. 2.
The commission unanimously approved Hop Brook Bend LLC’s plan to convert part of the former industrial building at 176 Hartford Road into Lost Realm Craft Co., a brewpub featuring on-site brewing, food service and a taproom.
The new business will occupy about 6,700 square feet on the first floor of the roughly 27,500-square-foot building, which was constructed around 1910 and most recently housed Winsupply, a plumbing and HVAC supplier.
“The proposed activity preserves the historic character of the building, is a good adaptive reuse of the building, and meets the special exception criteria,” the commission stated in its decision.
The brewpub will accommodate up to 100 patrons and include brewing operations, a kitchen, bar and seating areas, restrooms and back-of-house functions. The project also includes limited outdoor seating, though outdoor live music or entertainment will not be permitted under the town’s Historic Zone regulations.
Lost Realm Craft Co. anticipates operating hours of 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday; noon- to 11 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.
The 1.75-acre property includes 48 parking spaces serving the entire building. The brewpub requires 37 spaces based on its seating capacity and staffing levels, according to planning documents.
