Arcadia Ales plans 28K-sq-ft expansion

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) - A Kalamazoo brewer is expanding thanks to a grant from the state.

Arcadia Ales is expected to build a 4,500-square-foot barbecue-themed brewpub and 24,000-square-foot beer production facility on the Kalamazoo riverfront, according to a release from the brewery and Southwest Michigan First.

The construction will be funded in part by a $1 million grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) provided to Arcadia Ales and real estate company Enmar, LLC.

MEDC said the brewery development is expected to create 42 permanent jobs.

Other aid to purchase the 2.6-acre East Michigan Avenue property on which the developments will be built came from The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority -- which discounted the $88,000-property to $5,000 -- and the City of Kalamazoo, which will secure a $200,000 loan and give up to $500,000 in tax incentives.

Also afforded grants by the MEDC Thursday were: 

• Grand Rapids medical researcher ArcticAx US, which was awarded $220,000 and is expected to create 28 new jobs;
• Benton Harbor real estate group Blue Star 2, LLC, which is expected to create 20 jobs with its $595,000 grant;
• Grand Rapids real estate developer Ionia Ventures, LLC, which received $361,500 and will create 35 jobs;
• Walker manufacturer Quality Edge, Inc, which will create 70 jobs with its $310,000 grant.

MEDC said the companies will invest a combined total of $26.3 million in surrounding communities, creating 195 permanent jobs.