In the heart of Savannah’s Starland District, a century-old building stands as a testament to the transformative power of craft beer and community spirit. This structure, once abandoned and forgotten, now pulses with life as the home of Two Tides Brewing Co., a beacon of revitalization in this historic Georgia city. But how did this remarkable transformation come about, and what does it mean for Savannah’s evolving landscape?
What happens when craft beer meets historic preservation in the heart of Savannah? In the city’s Starland District, a century-old building has been transformed into a beacon of revitalization, thanks to Two Tides Brewing Co. This remarkable story of renewal raises an intriguing question: How can a single brewery reshape a neighborhood’s future while honoring its past?
Key Takeaways
– Two Tides Brewing Co. transformed a 100-year-old building in Savannah’s Starland District into a lively craft beer haven.
– The brewery balances historic preservation with modern brewing, reflecting the district’s mix of old charm and new ideas.
– Two Tides is known for its innovative “haze and funk” beers and supports local culture through art and community events.
– The brewery has become a community hub, hosting events like Vinyl Night and pizza nights, and is welcoming to families and pets.
– Two Tides contributes to Savannah’s economy by attracting beer tourists and collaborating with local businesses.
– Future plans include opening The Laundry Diner in another historic building, continuing to foster community growth and innovation.
– Two Tides exemplifies how craft beer and community vision can revitalize forgotten spaces and shape neighborhood futures.
The Starland District: A Canvas for Revitalization
The Starland District, just south of Forsyth Park, has changed a lot in recent years. This area, which was once struggling, has become a lively center of creativity and business. The change began in 1999 when two graduates from the Savannah College of Art and Design bought the old Starland Dairy. They dreamed of making it a special place for the community.
Since then, more than 250 old buildings in the area have been fixed up and made beautiful again. These restored buildings have brought new life to the district. They’ve attracted artists, business owners, and visitors. Now, the Starland District shows how cities can be made better. It mixes old charm with new ideas in a unique way.
Two Tides’ Origin Story
It was in this changing neighborhood that Two Tides Brewing Co. found its home. In March 2018, James and Liz Massey opened their brewery. They chose a 100-year-old building on De Soto Avenue. The Masseys saw something special in this old building that others had forgotten. They imagined a place where good beer could bring people together and help make the neighborhood even better.
Starting the brewery wasn’t easy. Two Tides had to change the old building into a modern brewery. But they also wanted to keep its historic look. This careful balance between old and new became a big part of what makes Two Tides special. It also fits perfectly with what the Starland District is all about. Just as Spacious Skies Savannah Oaks campground blends natural beauty with modern amenities, Two Tides has successfully merged historic charm with contemporary brewing practices.
Breathing New Life into History
Fixing up Two Tides’ building was a big job that took a lot of care. The Masseys and their team worked hard to keep the building’s old charm while adding new brewing equipment. They kept as many of the original parts of the building as they could. When they needed to add new things, they found creative ways to do it.
The result is a place that feels both old and new at the same time. The bright and friendly taproom keeps the warm feeling of the old building. But it also gives people a modern craft beer experience. There’s a balcony that looks out over 41st Street. From here, visitors can see the busy street life below. This balcony is like a symbol for how the brewery is helping to make the whole neighborhood better.
Craft Beer Meets Local Culture
At the heart of Two Tides’ success is its focus on making great craft beer. The brewery is known for its “haze and funk” beers. Their menu of beers changes with the seasons and with what the brewers feel like making. This dedication to quality and new ideas has quickly made Two Tides an important part of Savannah’s growing craft beer scene.
But Two Tides is more than just a place that makes beer. It’s also a celebration of local culture. The walls of the taproom are covered with art made by local artists. There’s even a big, colorful mural painted by someone who graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design. This mix of craft beer and art creates a special feeling. It shows off the creative spirit of both the Starland District and Savannah as a whole.
More Than Just Beer: Building Community
Two Tides has become a place where both locals and visitors like to gather. They host events that help bring people in the community closer together. These events include Vinyl Night and weekly pizza nights. They offer more than just a chance to enjoy good beer. They give people opportunities to meet each other, share ideas, and celebrate the neighborhood’s lively culture.
The brewery is also welcoming to dogs. They have pinball machines and board games for people to play. This makes it a great place for families and groups to visit. By creating a space where everyone feels welcome, Two Tides has become more than just a business. It’s an important part of the community in the Starland District.
Impact on Savannah’s Craft Beer Scene
The success of Two Tides has had a big effect on Savannah’s craft beer world. By making high-quality, interesting beers, the brewery has helped make Savannah known to beer lovers. This has led to more people visiting Savannah just to try its craft beers. These beer tourists might not have come to Savannah otherwise.
This trend is good for the city’s economy. Two Tides is doing its part to help create jobs and boost the economy. The brewery also works with other local businesses, like Pizzeria Vittoria. This cooperation helps create a network of businesses that support each other and make the local economy stronger.
Looking to the Future
As Two Tides thinks about the future, they’re still committed to growing and being involved in the community. The brewery has big plans to expand. One of these plans is to open The Laundry Diner in September 2024. This new restaurant will be in another old building from the 1930s that they’re fixing up. It will add even more to what the Starland District has to offer. It also shows how Two Tides keeps helping to make positive changes in the neighborhood.
Two Tides’ plans for growth go beyond just opening new places. They want to keep pushing the boundaries of what craft beer can be. They plan to keep working with local artists and businesses. And they want to keep fostering a sense of community. As the Starland District continues to change and grow, Two Tides is ready to play a big part in shaping its future.
Conclusion
Two Tides Brewing Co. is more than just a local success story. It’s a powerful example of how craft, community, and vision can breathe new life into forgotten spaces. As you sip a carefully crafted beer on their balcony, you’re not just enjoying a drink – you’re witnessing the rebirth of a neighborhood. Two Tides shows us that when we honor our past while embracing innovation, we can create something truly special. It’s a testament to the bright future of Savannah and a reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary transformations begin with something as simple as a good beer and a big dream. For those looking to experience more of Savannah’s unique blend of history and modernity, consider staying at Spacious Skies Savannah Oaks, where you can enjoy the natural beauty of the area while being just minutes away from the city’s vibrant attractions.
FAQ
Q: What is Two Tides Brewing Co.?
A: Two Tides Brewing Co. is a craft brewery located in a 100-year-old building in Savannah’s Starland District, known for its unique beers and community spirit.
Q: Where is the Starland District?
A: The Starland District is a neighborhood in Savannah, Georgia, just south of Forsyth Park.
Q: What makes Two Tides special?
A: Two Tides is special because it combines historic preservation with modern craft brewing, creating a space that honors the past while embracing new ideas.
Q: What kind of beers does Two Tides make?
A: Two Tides is known for its “haze and funk” beers, and their beer menu changes with the seasons and the brewers’ creativity.
Q: How does Two Tides contribute to the community?
A: Two Tides hosts events like Vinyl Night and pizza nights, supports local artists, and collaborates with other local businesses, fostering a sense of community.
Q: What are Two Tides’ future plans?
A: Two Tides plans to open The Laundry Diner in September 2024, continue working with local artists and businesses, and keep pushing the boundaries of craft beer.
Q: How has Two Tides impacted Savannah?
A: Two Tides has helped boost Savannah’s craft beer scene, attracting beer tourists and supporting the local economy by creating jobs and collaborating with other businesses.