Fun, Fresh, Local - Brewery, Restaurant, Boutique Hotel

The purpose of this letter is to be completely transparent, raise awareness and keep our community informed. As many of you are aware, the Churchill family has been looking for a Spooner property over the past year in which to build a brewery and unique dining experience. The properties considered; The Roundhouse, Foxy’s, Lake Land Family Resource Center, The Civic Center, Dahl’s former house, and the Old City Hall and Fire Hall.  We discussed a number of options with the owners of the civic center to utilize the former Jersey’s Sports Bar and perhaps build the brewery in one of their large spaces; we ultimately decided to look elsewhere as we felt strongly about purchasing our building rather than a lease to maintain full autonomy.  As ideal of a location as the Old City Hall building is in proximity to our existing business The Dock Coffee, we were under the impression, like many of you, that the civic center group owned it.  To our surprise, it is owned by the city and it was available to submit a bid.  After great thought and deliberation, our family has unanimously concluded that we are partial to the purchase of the Old City Hall and Fire Hall building.  

With this decision, we presented a Commercial Offer to Purchase to the City’s Property Planning & Development Committee.  On Wednesday, June 28, it was voted in favor, six to one by the committee of the whole with the entire board present to support our plan and make a recommendation to the full city council this Wednesday, July 5. Our vision is to renovate this historic building, open a brewery and unique restaurant on the main level and boutique hotel on the second level. With The Dock Coffee, we have a proven record with an excellent business history.  This new venture will serve as a job-creating and revenue-generating plan for our community.  

Two other parties have also submitted bids to acquire the building.  We wish them the greatest success in their business endeavors as they too will bring benefit to the community, and we expect that they will identify other options that will suit their needs, perhaps within their current locations.  We strongly feel that our proposed use of said building will be a vibrant addition to Spooner’s main street. We look forward to adding an exciting economic benefit to our community in a venue that can be enjoyed by many.

We have arrived at this decision for the following reasons:

• Growth –We believe that Spooner is moving in a positive direction economically, and we are committed to being an integral part of making this happen with the combined efforts of the community and our family. 
• Jobs - Approximately 20 full-time equivalent positions will be required from entry-level to professionals.  We estimate 12 to 24 months of work for local contractors. 
• Next Generation – Granted we are rather partial to our own professional children, this initiative will attract and retain the millennial generation, our young entrepreneurs who will continue moving Spooner forward with fresh new ideas
• Historic Building – Our goal is to renovate this historic building as much as feasible and bring back what was once a bustling public space.  Be assured that we will be good stewards of this historic building and its community.

Please consider attending the Spooner City Council meeting on Wednesday, July 5 at 5:00 pm located at City Hall 515 N Summit Street, Spooner if you are inclined to support this project with your presence.  Thank you in advance for your commitment to our community.

Sincerely with hope,

Jeff & Sue Churchill, Blain Churchill, Alexandria Nelson, Spencer Churchill

Old City Hall & Fire Hall Building - Renovation Plan

• "Bell Tower Brewing Company" (Name subject to change)
• Brewpub – Restaurant – Boutique Hotel
• Intended Use: Restoration of Historic Former City Hall and Former Fire Hall

Brewery - Fire Hall garages 

Restaurant – Main level of old city hall 

 Boutique Hotel (Approx 5 -7 rooms) - 2^nd level city hall

 Timeline

• 6/27/17: Submit offer to purchase
• 7/5/17: Secure property
• 8/5/17: Close on property
• 8/5/17: Begin renovation
• Spring '18: Open brewery 
• Fall ‘18: Open restaurant
• 2019: Open hotel 

Benefits to City and Surrounding Community

• Fun, Fresh, Local
• Job creation - approximately 20 full-time equivalents, both professional and entry-level positions as well as an estimated 12 to 24 months of local contractor work 
• Generate revenue 
• Attract and retain the millennial generation
• Provide Spooner with a brewery, which is an indicator of a vibrant community
• Provide Spooner with an upscale casual dining restaurant
• Provide Spooner with a destination-style boutique hotel
• Provide city beautification
• Increase foot traffic and commerce of downtown businesses
• Increased annual tax revenue for city based on property value 
• Create a venue that entire community can utilize and enjoy
• Renovation of one of Spooner’s historic buildings
• Draw visitors from many miles away
• This comes from local business owners of The Dock Coffee, an excellent business with a strong history, who are committed and passionate about the Spooner community