In 1871 construction of Canal Place began as the site of B.F. Goodrich’s first rubber plant. After 117 years of operations, the massive multi-story building was rendered obsolete. Many years later Industrial Realty Group, LLC had a vision for the 3 million square foot property where B.F. Goodrich once resided. In conjunction with the City of Akron, the State of Ohio, and so many other businesses, IRG has helped redevelop the property as an incubator that to date has created over 5,000 jobs. “I fell in love with this place the first time I saw it.” Ron Shea said.
In 2017, Chris Huntley, Vice President of Millstone Management Group, was invited to the space by Mark Moore of FMD Architects to look at the upcoming project. When Chris walked the space he distinctively remembers leaving the walk through and saying to Mark what an amazing space it would be for R. Shea and Ron’s vision. Today R. Shea Brewing is a 20-barrel system that sits in a 56,000 square foot space that is located inside Canal Place. The brew-house and fermenters are below the mezzanine level, which is where you walk in. The top level consists of tables, bar, a kitchen, and a long drink rail overlooking the brewing equipment. From this vantage point you can see a very colorful graffiti mural that yells: BEER. Shea said agricultural tires, even space-shuttle-program tires, went through the space where the fermenters, tanks, and barrels now stand.
“It’s a great historic spot,” Ron Shea said.
Millstone was happy to assist with this remodel of the existing space which included adding a kitchen, family banquet room, and mezzanine. We wish nothing, but success for R. Shea Brewing on your grand opening this coming Monday!
