Mike Wolanin | The Republic Hog Molly Brewing Co. is seeking a conditional use variance to move their brewing, packaging and taproom operations to this site owned by Cummins on Hutchins Avenue in Columbus, Ind., pictured on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023.
A local craft brewery and taproom is seeking approval from the Columbus Board of Zoning Appeals to convert a vacant industrial building into a microbrewery.
Hog Molly Brewing Co.’s conditional use request will be considered at tonight’s Columbus Board of Zoning Appeals meeting, which will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the council chambers of Columbus City Hall. The subject property is 1405 Hutchins Ave.
Louis “Lou” Krempel, who co-owns Hog Molly with his wife, said that they have not yet decided whether they will be retaining a presence at their current location, 830 Depot St., or moving all of their operations to the new site, assuming their request is granted.
“We’re considering maintaining a presence here still, but we’re not sure yet,” he said.
Per a report from planning department staff, the 0.85-acre parcel at Hutchins Ave. is owned by Cummins, Inc, and the industrial building on the site is currently vacant. Neighboring properties include residential, retail and general industrial uses.
“We would like to have a Conditional Use approved for a microbrewery so that we can move our brewing, packaging, and taproom operations to this site,” Hog Molly wrote in its application. “Our plan is to seat 80 patrons inside the taproom, 72 patrons on a 1500 square ft covered deck, and 36 patrons in a beer garden outdoor area.”
The beer garden would include a permanent covered area for events.
Krempel wrote in an email to planning staff that they plan to have one or two outdoor events per week, weather permitting.
“The applicant has planned to locate all noise-producing entertainment and activities to the north side of the primary structure, which is the opposite side from the single-family residential neighborhood,” planning staff wrote. “The applicant has also expressed plans to improve the 14th Street frontage of the parking lot, which would improve the pedestrian access around the site and surrounding neighborhood.”
Hog Molly is also planning renovations to the building, such as removing one of the overhead doors and replacing it with a glass entry way, the staff report stated.
Planning department staff are recommending that Hog Molly’s application be approved, with the condition that landscaping around the building be replaced.
Bartholomew County Code Enforcement wrote that they have no issues with the business’s proposal. However, if it is approved, the owners will need to get a building permit from code enforcement and a construction design release with the state.
If the Board of Zoning Appeals approves their request, Hog Molly would hope to have the Hutchins Avenue location up and running by next summer, said Krempel.
