This major Washington brew pub development is making progress. Here's the latest plan

A multimillion-dollar brew pub development in Washington is expected to open around November 2024 after experiencing months of delays.

The development on Washington's historic square promises to build a restaurant officials say the city has never seen the likes of before, including a rooftop bar and multi-purpose event spaces.

The project is anticipated to do $4 million in sales annually. That is also why Washington granted developers a $1.1 million development agreement centered around tax-increment financing funds.

Inflation, high interest rates delayed project

A grand opening for the site, which started construction in August 2022 under an amended redevelopment agreement, was supposed to happen in December 2023 as part of a previous agreement between Washington and developer CL Real Estate.

But inflation affecting construction costs and high interest rates set the plan back, and the new opening date is scheduled for November 2024.

Washington Mayor Gary Manier said progress has been "somewhat slow" and there was a "bit of sticker shock" when looking at the rising costs of construction.

City officials, however, are still "really optimistic" about what the development will bring to Washington when all is said and done.

"It will enhance the square and hopefully bring a lot of people to the square, not just from Washington but hopefully from the surrounding region," Manier said.

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What to expect from the Tangled Roots development in Washington

Nathan Watson, the CEO of CL Real Estate, said now that demolition has been completed on the old buildings at the site, foundation work is set to begin on the project this month. He said once a foundation is complete, people will start to see the building take shape.

Watson said the company hopes to have a building with a roof on it constructed by year's end.

"We're really looking forward to moving forward with the construction, and it should be a much smoother process than what we've experienced so far," Watson said. "We're really excited about that."

The project will feature a rooftop bar with terra cotta screening, Watson said.

The architecture of the building is something Watson said will be unique. CL Real Estate partnered with Chicago-based architecture firm Lohan Architecture for the project, the same company that handled the expansions of Soldier Field, Shedd Aquarium and the Chicago Field Museum.

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"We've never seen a construction project like that on the square. It's rare to see a project of this magnitude anywhere, especially within the area of buildings that are a 100-plus years old," said Jon Oliphant, Washington's planning and development director. "It's going to have a significant impact not only on the square but the community as a whole."

Watson also said when the space is complete, it will have the ability to host multiple private events at the same time, something he said will create a draw for Washington.

"We'll be able to have a private dining experience, a rooftop event space and a indoor event space used all at the same time," Watson said. "In terms of downtown Washington, it really creates an opportunity to bring a lot of people to the downtown area not only to appreciate the event they're having, the food they're eating or the beer they're drinking, but also what else is happening in Washington's downtown square."

Hospitality suites were added to the project, which will operate as short-term rentals for customers at the site.

How will this project impact downtown Washington?

Thus far, TIF payments made out for the project total $600,000. There were $980,000 in TIF funds allocated for the project at its inception.

The city of Washington has made the following reimbursements from the TIF fund so far:

• $75,000 in August 2022 per an agreement a payment be made within 10 days of the agreement.

• $275,000 payment upon acquisition of the property.

• $55,560 for professional architectural services on Sept. 19, 2022.

• $42,000 for professional architectural services on Oct. 17, 2022.

• $32,000 for professional architectural services on Jan. 17, 2023.

• $69,592 for professional architectural services on Feb. 20, 2023.

• $847 for professional architectural services on April 17, 2023.

On Sept. 5, the Washington City Council will vote on whether to reimburse another $50,000 from the TIF fund for demolition costs.

Oliphant said the city expects the brew pub development to also attract other new businesses to the downtown square.

The city will not begin to see any recoupment on its TIF until the restaurant is open and begins generating sales. Manier said the sales tax generated by the restaurant will be a "big shot in the arm" for the city.

Oliphant said the city remains "really optimistic" about the development and wants to see it opened "as soon as possible." He added that if everything continues to progress as it is now, November of 2024 is a realistic timeline for an opening.

"We want to do everything we can to be supportive of it. Obviously we all want to see this project happen as soon as possible, so we want to make sure it can open up on the timeline the developers are looking at at this point," Oliphant said. "But we are really optimistic it will happen, and once it does, it's going to be very significant for the square and the city as a whole."

Watson said the project will not only create an opportunity for downtown Washington to become an attraction but also lauded the project for its job creation power and overall economic development opportunities.

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This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Washington brew pub development has late 2024 target opening date