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Potosi Brewery restoration gets a helping hand from state
Potosi Brewery restoration gets a helping hand from state$150,000: Assembly earmarks matching funds for the restoration of historic buildingby Craig Reber POTOSI, Wis. - Potosi Brewery restoration supporters are casting an anxious eye on the state budget Rep. Gabe Loeffelholz, R-Platteville, was able to earmark $150 000 in the assembly budget for the Potosi Brewery project. Several steps remain before the money would be a reality. A $28,900 fundraising campaign was kicked off earlier this year by the non-profit Potosi Brewery Foundation for the Potosi Brewery building. The purpose of the campaign is to hire a structural engineer, an architectural historian and an architect whose research will provide a blueprint for future restoration. The Foundation was formed early last year with a goal to restore the historic landmark. The restoration project carries a price tag estimated at between $1 million and $5 million. The building, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, was built in the mid-1800s and made beer until 1972. During its heyday, the brewery was Potosi's largest employer and the Potosi brand was well-known. Loeffelholz was able to tap $150,000 from the state Department of Tourism for the project. The Foundation would be required to match the $150,000. Loeffelholz said the money would be used for the structural analysis report, a final use determination study, and a plan to market and raise funds for the restoration. Loeffelholz called the project key for the area's tourism industry. "The brewery combined with the Great River Road, will draw visitors to southwestern Wisconsin," Loeffelholz said. "This is a great thing for our area. The biggest thing is getting it structurally sound." Loeffelholz pointed out the brewery once employed more than 100 people working in two shifts. "It's important to preserve a vital part of our heritage for future generations," he said. The funding faces other hurdles, including approval by the state Senate. "Where it goes from here, we don't know," said Potosi Village President and Foundation member Frank Fiorenza, " but we are encouraged by the actions taken by the Assembly. It is encouraging that it has come this far." Fiorenza will be tracking the measure's progress. "I'll be calling my state senator (Dale Schultz) and asking him to support it," he said. Fiorenza emphasized the Foundation is non-profit. "No individuals are making money off this," he said. "This is for the community." Fiorenza and Loeffelholz agree the project benefits not only Potosi, but the collective tri-state area's tourism industry. Plans call for an eating establishment, a microbrewery, a Potosi Brewery museum and national brewery museum. There is also space for further development. The two-year budget is scheduled to take effect July 1. After the Senate and Assembly work out compromises, the budget heads to Gov. Scott McCallum for his signature. ©2001 Telegraph Herald |
