Oregon Heritage, a division of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, awarded 28 matching grants worth $5,000,000 to Oregon Main Street Network organizations across the state for building projects that encourage economic revitalization. One of the awarded projects was the renovation of Parallel 45 Brewing, in partnership with the Independence Downtown Association, for expanded and converted commercial use.
“The City has done a lot for us and the community is fantastic,” said Greg Laird, co-owner of Parallel 45 Brewing. “I think it will be exciting to see more activity on this side of the building.”
In addition to a phased rollout of expansion, residents can expect to see more food carts pop up in the next few months.
“We had been hoping to get it,” said co-owner Ryan Booth. “And then after we got it, we were like ‘now we actually have to get this stuff built’.”
When coupled with private investment dollars, this grant will fund the renovation of Parallel 45 Brewing including converting unfinished space for commercial use with the opportunity for a retail storefront. Potential tenants include a bike shop and meadery. The Parallel 45 brewery operations and customer service area will be expanded with additional outdoor seating and an interior gathering space with a stage suitable for hosting events.
“Our business owners work incredibly hard and are passionate about creating quality spaces for the community to enjoy,” said Kate Schwarzler, President of the Independence Downtown Association. “The Independence Downtown Association is proud to help support our local business owners leverage grant funding to revitalize buildings and bring additional vitality downtown.”
The purpose of the Oregon Main Street Revitalization Grant was to acquire, rehabilitate, and construct buildings on properties in designated downtown areas statewide; and Facilitate community revitalization that will lead to private investment, job creation or retention, establishing, or expanding viable businesses, or creating a stronger tax base. Other projects awarded with grants include the Dallas Downtown Association and the City of Monmouth.
Congratulations, Parallel 45 Brewing and the Independence Downtown Association for receiving this prestigious honor!
