STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — Construction has been underway for several weeks but city leaders in Stevens Point met for a ceremonial groundbreaking Friday at what will become the new Great Northern Distilling event space and tasting room later this year.
According to Owner Brian Cummins when their lease ran out in Plover and COVID-19 hit, they realized they wanted a bigger space for customers and tourists. “We needed extra space for hospitality, outdoor seating, and to expand on-site services,” said Cummins. “Being able to host private events for up to 150 people and welcome more people through for tours and our general nightlife. This facility will allow us to have a greatly improved offering over what we had in Plover.”
In the nine years that Great Northern has been in operation, he says they’ve seen guests from across the United States and as far away as Thailand. He thinks that should continue with the new location close to other adult beverage makers such as the Point Brewing Company and Sunset Point Winery.
It was also important to him to stay in the Stevens Point area. All of the ingredients for their spirits come from within 150 miles, and he wants to keep it that way. “We also have a dual mission to promote and expand cocktail culture here in Central and Northern Wisconsin.”
The expanded space will also help them market their products from their own facility instead of worrying about finding space on the store shelf at the local liquor stores. That helps them connect with customers by telling their stories and connecting with customers and tourists in a way they can’t when someone else is selling their product.
“As more and more craft breweries and distilleries have come online in the last few years the emphasis has moved away from distribution. [We want to] engage with customers directly, at our brand home, where we can talk about who we are and what our values and priorities are; talk to them about what makes our spirits special,” he adds.
Financing for the project comes in part through a public-private partnership with the city. Great Northern bought the former Belky Lumber site for $1 and will receive $370,000 in tax increment financing, paid out at certain construction milestones. The building will go on the tax rolls for no less than $1.5 million.
Supply chain issues have held up construction, but they are on track to open in time for the holidays.
