RIVER SAINT JOE BREWERY
The River Saint Joe Brewery in Buchanan, Michigan is a standout in the local community for a number of reasons. Not only does it serve up an impressive selection of craft beers and delicious food, but its design and architecture are a compelling and unique part of Millies Engineering Group’s portfolio. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this brewery such a special spot to the locals.
Completed in 2019 by Moss Design and Millies Engineering Group, it was designed as a modern pole barn, featuring a deep overhang to provide shade to the outdoor patio. The building itself is a beautiful example of a destination brewery - and is seated in a natural setting near the historic St. Joseph River. Additionally, it takes full advantage of its rural setting, utilizing the certified organic Flatwater Farms to grow both hops and produce alike. River St. Joe brewery is quite unique, refusing to outsource the ingredients they use in making in their award-winning beer selection.
One of the most striking features of the brewery is its spacious taproom, which features high ceilings, exposed brick walls, and plenty of natural light. Stunning farm views can be seen from the interior, linking the patio and hop farm. True beer aficianados are the target market, and St. Joe Brewery has formed a cult following due to their ability to immerse customers in the ecosystem that supports the organic brewing process. The use of reclaimed wood and industrial materials throughout the space gives it a warm and inviting feel and were actually a response to budgetary constraints.
Pole barns are pre-manufactured kits to construct a built environment. On arrival, they’re placed on a foundation, typically without much consideration of how the structure fits into the site’s environment. There’s a catch: they typically cost increasing amounts to operate over time due to the fact that the structure hasn’t been tailored to the site. To help keep the budget under control, the strucure is modular, yet includes small design details like a southward sloping roof so the entierety of the roof plane can be used as a solar array.
However, what really sets the River Saint Joe Brewery apart from other breweries in the area is its commitment to sustainability and the local community. From the use of locally-sourced ingredients in their beers and food to their on-site composting and recycling programs, the brewery is dedicated to minimizing its environmental impact. They even have a “closed loop” system that uses wastewater from the brewing process to irrigate the plants and trees on their property.
Of course, it’s not just the design and sustainability efforts that make the River Saint Joe Brewery so popular in the community. The brewery is also known for its exceptional beer selection. They offer a wide variety of styles, from traditional German lagers to experimental IPAs and sour beers. And if you’re not a beer drinker, they also have a great selection of wine and craft cocktails.
In addition to their regular menu items, the River Saint Joe Brewery also hosts regular events like yoga, farm tours, classes, and live music.
Overall, the River Saint Joe Brewery is a true gem in the Michigan craft beer scene. With its stunning design, commitment to sustainability, and exceptional beer and food offerings, it’s no wonder it has become a beloved spot in the local community.
