:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62725519/une.0.png)
The city of Niles is home to a replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, a landmark that stands in front of a YMCA in the suburb north of Chicago. Now there’s plans to build a massive brewery with a taproom and restaurant behind the YMCA. Five-year-old Une Annee Brewery plans to relocate to 6343 W. Gross Point Road in Niles. Its current facility, also in Niles, is located in a strip mall behind the iconic Omega Restaurant & Bakery.
The space could open as early as the summer. The restaurant would have a small kitchen to prep smoked meats. The Tribune reported that the brewery is part of a plan to develop the area around the tower and YMCA. The Trib chronicled the brewery’s quirky story, one where nothing seemed to go as planned for founder Jerry Nelson. Une Annee specializes in Belgians, sours, and wild ales. The bigger space will allow them to increase production of barrel-aged beer. The entire facility is 27,000 square feet, according to the Tribune.
Reps from Une Annee weren’t immediately reached. Stay tuned for updates.
