Project Highlight: BrewPub

Clockwork has been hard at work once again, transforming an old auto garage—fondly known by locals as "Grandpa’s Old Ford Garage"—into a new brewpub in downtown DeSoto, KS. Lindsey and Alex Waller, passionate homebrewers, had long dreamed of turning their craft into a business. When they discovered this historic building, they knew it was the perfect place to bring their vision to life.

The garage, with its old brick walls, remnants of plaster, and auto part numbers still scrawled from its previous life, held a unique charm. However, the project came with its challenges, including state alcohol regulations, inadequate egress, and a complete lack of restrooms.

Clockwork tackled these challenges head-on, working closely with the Wallers to turn the old garage into their dream brewpub. Open communication and creative problem-solving were key in preserving the building’s historic character while upgrading it to meet modern standards.

We enhanced the infrastructure by upgrading electrical and water services, installing a new mechanical system, and reinforcing the floor to support seven 200+ gallon brewery tanks. After reviewing codes and obtaining quotes, we determined that installing a sprinkler system wasn’t cost-effective given the planned occupancy and activities. Additionally, we resolved the restroom issue to ensure full compliance with regulations.

Despite a tight budget, the Wallers’ creative vision and hands-on involvement helped us transform this building into what we hope will become a local favorite for craft brews. Look out for the grand opening this August! And if you're interested, they’re currently hiring part-time staff.