Eastown eyesore to turn into laid-back brewpub

The "solid bones" of a musty old Eastown liquor store will be transformed into a bustling brewpub by spring if a local development firm has its way.  Harmony Brewing Co. is the latest in a string of projects by Bear Manor Properties in Grand Rapids, but it's the first in which the company will redevelop the building and operate the business inside.  Heather Van Dyke and her brothers Jackson and Barry Van Dyke said they plan to invest more than $300,000 to create a laid-back atmosphere inside the old Jack's Liquor, 1551 Lake Drive SE, by late spring or early summer of 2011. "We don't want it to feel like a bar or a pub," Barry Van Dyke said. "We want it to feel more like a cafe."
As a brewpub, Harmony will offer a full menu of cocktails and wines and sells its beers in jugs (growlers) and six packs for takeout. It will not be able to distribute its beers to other retailers and bars through a wholesaler like a microbrewery.
"We can respond to the tastes of the neighborhood and match its idiosyncrasies," Heather Van Dyke said.
"We'll also take inspiration from different seasons," Jackson Van Dyke added. "We want our food and beer to be relevant to the season."
The brothers, who have been home brewing for about 10 years, said they will manage the brewing portion of the business. They plan to hire an experienced restaurant manager to operate the rest of the business.
The project, which still requires approval from the City and state Liquor Control commissions, did not get off the ground without some resistance from nearby residents who expressed concerns about noise, traffic and odors.
The Van Dykes said they have met with some of the opponents and have tried to address some concerns. They abandoned plans for a rooftop deck and agreed to close the small outdoor seating area by 10 p.m.
"The whole thing was built with cinder blocks," Barry Van Dyke said, showing off a basement area that will be home to a 3.5-barrel brewing system. "It's a stout building, so it allows us to do a lot with it." The brewpub, which is being designed by Grand Rapids' Lott3Metz Architecture, is expected to seat about 80 people.