We’re proud to have had a hand in a few Madison-area breweries (see: here and here). And, a new kid on the brewery block is Hop Haus Brewing Company’s Fitchburg location. The 18,000 square-foot facility boasts a brewery (of course!), full-service bar, outdoor and rooftop patios, restaurant and event space. The brewery’s second location complements their Verona spot, open since June 2015.
“Their current space is a brewpub that focuses on gathering in a comfortable setting. [Owners] Phil and Sarah Hoechst (who came from Colorado) have added touches of their life in the aesthetic — weathered, corrugated metal panels and reclaimed wood paneling — which brings a sense of warmth to the space. The new location has similar characteristics — but on a much grander scale,” explains Brad Koning, partner at Sketchworks, who designed Hop Haus’ Fitchburg location. Their second outpost weaves in dark, reclaimed wood; brick masonry; polished concrete and metal wall panels to echo the Verona space — but with a bit more “softness,” says Koning.
The “grander scale” Koning refers to also includes a significantly larger taproom than the Verona location with room for indoor games as well as an exterior patio with overhead door openings for a seamless indoor-outdoor experience during warmer months. The rooftop patio boasts neighborhood views and offers a second full-service bar. Koning says the patios are among the Hoechsts’ favorite features of the new brewery.
“The second-floor patio provides a unique experience for their customers and was a feature of the project from day one. It’s an exceptional [spot] and … provides a more intimate experience. It has views into the brewhouse, giving an overhead view of the production process, maintaining the connection back to the product. The first-floor outdoor patio [reinforces] their core values that every community deserves a place to gather and come together as neighbors and enjoy a pint of beer,” says Koning.
Besides front-of-the-house amenities, Koning explains that Hop Haus’s Fitchburg space allows the brewing company to innovate and grow their business even more. It includes a 15-barrel brew system and canning line and room for expansion in the brewhouse to eventually include a grain handling system, tank expansion and large coolers for storage.
“The brewhouse is the most important, functional part of the project,” says Koning. “It enables them to create and develop products that will elevate the Hop Haus brand, and the connection to the brewhouse … was a major driver in the design.”
