Brewery, restaurant to open in Goshen

At their Tuesday meeting, Goshen Redevelopment Commission members approved a lease agreement with Goshen Brewing Co. The plan is to develop the former Northern Indiana Public Service Co. building at 315 W. Washington St. into a brewery and restaurant.

Jesse Sensenig is the owner and brewer at Goshen Brewing. He said the new venture could be open by April or May of next year. Sensenig also outlined his vision for the future of the old NIPSCO building.

“I just feel really strongly about this location being ideal for a brewery in Goshen,” he told commission members. “I feel it’s something that can really benefit the community as well.” Sensenig views the nearby bike/pedestrian trail and nature area as positives for the business.

Sensenig indicated he wants to use local ingredients as much as possible, both in the beer and the food. He’s planning a smaller, seasonal, rotating menu that includes some appetizers, salads, sandwiches and a couple of nicer entrees.

Sensenig also outlined possible events at the brewery. These include “bike-in movies” shown on an outdoor screen, with beer and snacks available for the viewers. Other potential events are brewery tours and a beer fest featuring local brewers.

Another Sensenig plan is to incorporate the work of local artists at the brewery. He said he’s talked to some artists about crafting ceramic tap handles, for example.

Sensenig told the commission he wants to maintain the structural character of the building.

“I’d like to keep that kind of industrial feeling,” he said.

In addition to making monthly lease payments, Goshen Brewing is committed to investing a minimum $200,000 into repairing and rehabilitating the old NIPSCO building. That work includes repairing the outer brick and/or painting the building; installing new heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems and electrical wiring; replacing/repairing the plumbing; building a kitchen; and installing a new subfloor on the main level.

Through the agreement with the Redevelopment Commission, Sensenig has an option to purchase the building for $95,000 after the minimum $200,000 has been invested and the required work completed.