Renovation work on Main Street’s Old Fire Hall has begun, with new rolling glass doors and windows installed on the circa-1952 building that will be the new home of Old Flame Brewing Co.’s second location in early 2021.
Old Flame Brewing founder and president Jack Doak, a Newmarket native who in January 2020 successfully landed a 10-year lease agreement for the adaptive re-use of the 140 Main St. S. property, is no stranger to restoring landmark properties.
The company’s original location in the historic district of Port Perry saw the transformation of a 130-year-old carriage manufacturing shop to mirror its grand former self and pay tribute to its historical significance.
Renovations at the 135 Perry St. took 11 months to bring the building back to its original grandeur, and the doors to the brewery opened in September 2013.
Doak says he is committed to reviving the Old Fire Hall in a similar way.
“Old Flame Brewing Company will preserve and restore the original building façade, respecting the strong history and heritage, honouring the stories of days gone by and creating an experience worth remembering,” according to a July 2020 statement.
“Main Street Newmarket offers a very attractive location for Old Flame Brewery as we expand production of our award winning beers,” said Doak. “As with our current location, we look forward to engaging with downtown businesses and supporting the ongoing growth and vitality of Main Street.”
When completed, the 5,000-square-foot fire hall will feature a tasting room and event space, along with a 15-barrel brewing system.
The brewery originally started with the signature lagers Blonde, Red and Brunette, but the company has since brewed a wide variety of unique styles and flavours that vary from season to season.
Old Flame Newmarket is expected to open at 140 Main Street in early 2021.
For more information, visit Old Flame Brewing Co. here.