News

Potosi Brewery restoration backers seek banquet boost

Fund-raiser. 1st phase of the multi-million dollar project is under way

By Craig Reber

POTOSI, Wis. — A limited number of tickets remain for the second annual Potosi Brewery fund-raising banquet on Feb. 3 at Sunset Lanes in Dickeyville.

Last year's inaugural event netted between $65,000 and $70,000. All proceeds benefit the Potosi Brewery Foundation's restoration effort of the historic brewery. The Potosi foundation was formed in February 2000 with a goal to restore the historic landmark. The effort carries a price tag between $3.5 million and $4 million.

The project is divided into three phases. The first phase, which is under way, includes restoring the structure's walls and roof so work can begin on the second phase, which is rebuilding the structure's interior.

The final phase is filling the structure. Plans call for a microbrewery, restaurant, museum and gift shop.

First on the restoration time line is razing two structures in the back of the building. That effort is expected to begin no later than mid-February The two structures, built in the 1930s, are in bad condition and it would be cost-prohibitive to restore them, foundation officials said.

According to Frank Fiorenza, foundation vice president, work on the roof and front section can begin once the two structure are removed.

Rebuilding the interior includes installing heating and cooling systems, walls and floors, and an elevator.

Highlighting last year's efforts were the restoration of the building's front wall and moving nearby power lines underground. An engineer's report showed that the building's shell, built with heavy rock and iron walls, remains solid.

In November, restoration efforts received a boost from a Janesville benefactor. The Potosi Brewery Foundation signed an agreement for a $400,000 challenge grant from the Janesvillebased Jeffris Family Foundation. The Potosi Brewery Foundation has three years to match the Jeffris grant on a 3 to-1 basis.

Last year, the brewery buildings were named among the 10 most endangered historic properties by the Wisconsin Trust For Historic Preservation.

The brewery ceased operations in 1972 and that same year it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Fiorenza acknowledged the foundation is "nowhere the near $4 million, but we have been able to generate enough revenue to do each step. It would be nice if we had $3 million sitting in a pot."

Fiorenza said the fund-raising banquets "help tremendously' and keep the project in "the public's eye. It shows there is support in this area, and not only in Potosi, for this effort."

February's fund-raising program includes a dinner — choice of chicken or swiss steak — and auction. There will be several prize packages auctioned throughout the night. The packages include brewery memorabilia, power tools and a 32-inch color television.

Last year's event attracted more than 300 people.

"It went far, far beyond our expectations," said Sharon Bierman, foundation secretary.

"It was actually a fun night," Fiorenza said. "I was a little apprehensive, but after that evening, I began looking forward to this year's event as well as others."

©2003 The Telegraph Herald