Brewery will tap into final spot at 1505

A microbrewery and taproom will occupy the last available commercial retail space at the 1505 Apartments complex on Wisconsin Avenue.

During Tuesday’s Village Plan Commission meeting, the commission approved a conditional-use permit for brewer Matthew Hofmann, who is seeking to open Sahale Ale Works by July 1.

The brewery and taproom would occupy 2,745 square feet inside the first phase of the complex as well as 1,400 square feet of outdoor patio space at the former lumberyard property.

The occupancy capacity would be 154 people.

Hofmann said he would have up to five employees, with the hours of operation 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday,  10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays to accommodate televised soccer league games.

Commission members questioned if there would be adequate parking space. Village Community Development Director Jessica Wolff said a traffic and parking study done when the apartment complex was built indicated there would enough parking with 225 spaces on site as well as street spaces.

A neighboring resident at the meeting questioned if there would be too much noise at night emanating from the outside patio. Hofmann said last call would occur at 9 p.m. and would consider changing patio use depending on the noise.  
Village President Jim Brunnquell requested to revisit the conditional-use permit after one year to determine if hours need to be changed.

Steve Bersell, chief operating officer for Fiduciary Real Estate which owns the property, said Sahale Ale will be the last tenant to occupy the 10,000 square feet of commercial space at the complex.

Fiddleheads Coffee, a dry cleaners and an orthodontist are currently in the complex, and Edward Jones Financial plans to open an outlet there in February.