Jan Bax and Robert Forseth’s plan to turn the former Edgewood Arts building into a microbrewery and distillery includes restoring the historic aspect of the building.
As a result, they are interested in seeing pictures and drawings of what the building’s interior once looked like, especially during the earliest years of its existence, said Bax.
“We are looking for photographs to see what we can do to restore it to its original configuration,” he said.
Bax and Forseth are equal partners in the venture, and anyone who has information may mail it to them at Brew Pub, 109 N. Main St., Waupaca, WI 54981.
Bax said they have not settled on a name yet for the new business and are referring to it as “brew pub” for now.
B & F Enterprises of Waupaca requested a special use permit last fall for the microbrewery project, and the Waupaca Common Council approved it on Oct. 21.
Bax said the historical restoration will involve a lot of paperwork, and they are planning for a June or July opening at the earliest.
As best as they can tell, the building was constructed in 1892, he said.
“At one time, there was a street or alley where our building now is,” he said. “Our building was framed in after the building to our north was built.”
There was a fire in 1932, and they believe the building’s interior changed quite a bit after that.
“The tin ceiling of the first floor is still there, but it is covered by trusses and a drop ceiling,” Bax said. “We want to restore it as best as we can.”