Glasshouse Brewing Re-Opens During Transition to Townies Brewery

New owner Dan Arban has "big plans" for the former Glasshouse Brewing on Ann Arbor's west side.

The brewery formerly known as Glasshouse Brewing re-opened on Ann Arbor's west side late last week, pouring four fresh beers produced by new brewer Karl Hinburn, previously of Wolverine State Brewing. Although a casual glance indicates not much appears to be different, a "Coming Soon: Townies Brewery" banner hanging on the front of the building hints at the future.

New owner Dan Arban did more than hint about the "big plans" he has for the space when I paid a visit Saturday. He and his wife, Patty, who also own Homespun Market in Brighton, not only purchased the building that houses Glasshouse and another business, Diamond Glass & Feiners, but the two properties adjacent to it, as well.

They have an interesting vision for all the new space, according to Arban. Diamond Glass & Feiners will be moving out of the front of the building, which will be used to expand the brewhouse as well as host a store featuring the work of area artists. The house next door will be converted into a bed and breakfast, while the old industrial building on the other side of that house will become artists' studios. And the yard space behind the house and the future artists' studio will be used for parking and a new beer garden.

However, for now, the brewery is operating under a management agreement with Glasshouse while waiting for the liquor license to be transferred to the new business. Once approved by all the government people, the new licensing will allow Townies to offer a full bar alongside the beer. (Eventually Karl and another to-be-hired brewer will be tasked with creating other beverages, as well.)

And speaking of the beer, right now there are four on tap: Wit for Tat Witbier, Eyes Like Crystal Single Malt/Single Hop IPA, Avacious Amber Ale, and Origination Blonde Ale. I tried the blonde and IPA and found both to be unsurprisingly excellent, given a talented, experienced brewer like Karl made them.

As far as food, Arban said they would be adding grills in the future beer garden to serve barbecued plates in the summer and featuring food trucks during the colder months. He did not rule out adding a full kitchen at a later date.

Former Glasshouse Mug Clubbers will have their memberships honored, at least until such time as a new Mug Club is established. Current hours for the brewery are: Monday, closed; Tuesday – Thursday, 4 p.m. to midnight; Friday and Saturday, noon to midnight; and Sunday, noon to 7 p.m.