Tag Archives: St. Paul

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Fair State Brewing Coop’s Massive Expansion

If you subscribe to the adage of ‘If you’re not growing, you’re dying”, Fair State Brewing Cooperative has been secretly working out and taking steroids. To an excited gathering at a members-only event on September 6, President, CEO and Chief Holder of Fancy Titles Evan Sallee announced the next phase of expansion for the co-op: a production brewery capable of quintupling beer production in the Midway industrial district.

The numbers shared by Sallee would cause any entrepreneur to drool: keg sales have gone up 82%. Taproom sales are up 50% over last year. Liquor store sales since they started canning? Up 388%. Demand for their award-winning beers is off the charts. With peer, industry, local, state and national recognition as one of the best up-and-coming breweries in the country, they’ve released 78 different beers and seen a membership explosion from 125 to over 900 members.

The face of the expansion
East entry exterior view. The patio joins up with a customer reception area and spacious office inside.

“The existing brewery on Central Avenue is going to stay exactly the same,” announced Salle to a cheering and relieved membership. “The existing brewhouse will become Niko’s laboratory to continue to craft, experiment and develop new beers.  This facility is going to help us meet demand for our more popular beers.”

The new brew house will come with 120 BBL cold and hot liquor tanks feeding with a 30 barrel mash tun and kettle, processing via whirlpool and centrifuge before filling 4 x 90 barrel fermenters (with space for more) and 4 horizontal lager tanks.  Barrel aging racks, a keg/cooler space bigger than the entire current brewery footprint, a canning line, a full lab, modern offices and trailer-level docks will all reside in the new space.  While the leased space is 40,000 sq ft, parts are planned to be leased out to another business.  “We should not have to move again,” remarked a smiling Matt Hauck, Director of Operations.

Brew house expansion
Artist’s rendering. The artist has no idea how big 90 BBL fermenters are.  They will reach to the ceiling!  But who am I to judge – this looks much better than what I could do in MS Paint.

“Are you doing the expansion in steps?” I asked Niko Tonks, Head Brewer. “No, we’re going to do it all at once,” he replied. Niko went on to explain that the search for additional brewing space has been going on for over a year. “We looked everywhere, but we kept coming back to this space.”  The building is flanked by two parking lots, which seem to dare the co-op to hold even larger events that the taproom could not.  When asked if they’d be open to sharing space or collaborating with Midway brewing neighbors Lake Monster, Urban Growler, Burning Bros and Bang Brewing, Tonks said anything is possible.

Because Minnesota law does not allow a brewery to have more than 1 taproom, only samples can be offered to tourists and guests at the production brewery.  There will be no on- or off-sale beer here.

Sallee ran through other statistics which caused multiple rounds of applause.  Their charitable “Fair State Cooperates” effort has contributed over 10% of revenues to 12 worthy, non-profit causes in the community chosen by the membership and the board of directors.  Their volunteer group has worked over 3000 hours with these organizations, further helping them to succeed in their mission.

“The goal is to start brewing by 12/31, even if this means we’re boiling some water.” quipped Peter Heidorn, freshly-hired marketing, and communications manager. “There are some advantages to brewing in the same year you buy your equipment. Not sure what’s actually possible or if that’s too ambitious.”

Memberships and volunteer opportunities are still available at fairstate.coop/shop. Ready to turn your skills into free beer? Check fairstate.coop/events for upcoming volunteer dates or contact Davin at davin@fairstate.coop.

 

Legislative Events, Newsfeed

Should Saint Paul Allow Liquor Stores and Brewers to Sell Until 10pm?

Some Saint Paul City Council members are exploring the idea of modernizing the city’s liquor code to match surrounding communities and eliminate consumer confusion.

Right now the City of Saint Paul requires off-sale liquor purchases to end at 8:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 10:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Nearly every other municipality sharing a border with Saint Paul is consistent with a 10:00 p.m. closing time Monday-Saturday.

Saint Paul City Council Member Chris Tolbert had this to say in a recent Ward 3 update:

One reason to consider changing the ordinance is because Saint Paul has a burgeoning brewery culture. Right now, with the exception of Sundays’, breweries can only sell growlers during legal hours for off-sale. So while most breweries are open until 10:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday they cannot sell take-home brews for the last two hours of business, meaning lost revenue for the breweries and frustration and confusion for customers.

The Saint Paul City Council will take public commentary on the issue through September 1st. Send your thoughts to Libby Kantner at libby.kantner@ci.stpaul.mn.us. The Council will compile all received comments for public review.

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SW Craft Bar Brings Traditional Cask Ale to the Green Line

Formerly known as Señor Wong, SW Craft Bar continues their rebranding with the addition of a cask ale system and beer engine. Having already expanded their craft beer selection to 25 lines, the addition of cask ale will give customers added variety.

“We are really looking forward to showcasing cask beer,” says Son Truong, owner of SW Craft Bar. “Having a cask system will allow us to be even more diverse in our craft beer offerings.”

SW Craft Bar Cask Ale
Summit Sága IPA on Amarillo at SW Craft Bar

Cask ale is anything but new. All beer was served via cask before the industrialization of beer. Many craft brewers still make cask beer as a nod to tradition and because it allows them to be creative in small batches. Nowadays, cask beer is often made with special additional ingredients that set them apart from their mainstream counterparts. It is not uncommon to find fruit, sugar, spices, or additional hops in casks, usually as additions and variations to a standard beer offering. You aren’t likely to find beer that is made exclusively for cask anymore, current production and methods are geared to larger batches.

Located just off the LRT Green Line in St Paul’s Lowertown, SW Craft Bar will be showcasing all the fun and creativity cask beer has to offer every week. This week the cask is Bent Paddle’s Lollygagger Pale Ale on Citra Hops. 5 percent of all Lollygagger sales to Duluth’s cycling organization COGGS to help them reach their goal to create the first 100+ mile system of singletrack all within an urban environment – the Duluth Traverse Bike System. The release also coincides with the Twin Cities Jazz Festival.

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Bad Weather Brewing Announces St. Paul Grand Opening

Bad Weather Brewing Company is announcing the Grand Opening of their St. Paul taproom and production facility at 414 7th St. W., St. Paul, MN. A welcome addition to Little Bohemia neighborhood, the 1200 sqft. brewing operation is just a few blocks away from the Xcel Energy Center.

The newest addition to the growing St. Paul beer scene is scheduled to open October 9th, at 3pm.


Bad Weather Brewing Company was launched by co-founders Zac Carpenter and Joe Giambruno in March 2013 as an alternating proprietorship with Lucid Brewing. Lucid’s alternating proprietorship arrangement allowed Bad Weather Brewing, and several other brewers, to enter the Minnesota beer market. Two years and many beers later, Bad Weather is expanding their brand and opening their own brewery and taproom.

Bad Weather Brewing Tank InstallBad Weather Brewing Company had some shiny goods delivered and installed in their new St. Paul space yesterday.

Posted by MNBeerActivists on Thursday, June 25, 2015

Making the transition from Lucid Brewing to the new facility is Andy Ruhland. After years of earning his stripes in the brewing industry, Andy will take on the title of Head Brewer at Bad Weather Brewing. Andy is an award winning brewer and has a degree in Intensive Brewing Science and Engineering from the American Brewers Guild.

“A lot of talk is going on right now on the booming brewery growth in Minneapolis,” says Ruhland. “I think St. Paul is an untouched gem. A relaxed, easy going city that is yearning for more breweries/taprooms. The overall reception here has been fantastic. So many people stopping by, I can’t wait for us to open our doors. Not to mention the fantastic water quality!”

The new St. Paul facility will allow Bad Weather to expand production capabilities to meet increasing demand. The taproom will provide an exciting place for craft beer lovers to enjoy a rotating list of unique offerings, in addition to Bad Weather flagship WINDVANE and seasonal favorites OMINOUS, FIREFLY RYE and MIGRATION. Four new beers will be available on opening day to compliment the current lineup.

“Our new space gives us the opportunity to really introduce drinkers to our brewery in a way that has not been possible to this point.” says Carpenter. “Increased flexibility in brewing out of our own space, and serving directly to the taproom will allow us to play with many more varieties of beer while keeping complete control of the process. We look forward to sharing our creativity with the community”

Bad Weather Brewing Grand Opening

Legislative Events, Newsfeed

2015 Saint Paul City Council Race and Sunday Liquor Sales

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The 2015 Minnesota legislative session has thus far been a busy one with lawmakers introducing several bills aimed at easing the restrictions on Sunday off-sale liquor sales. Bills include everything from a Sunday sales pilot program, to growlers for qualifying brewers, a local option allowing municipalities to lift the ban, and full repeal.

SundaySalesMN

If legislation supporting a local option to allow individual municipalities to lift the ban on Sunday sales were to pass this session, the future of Sunday liquor, beer and wine sales in the city of Saint Paul will be in the hands of its city council members.

With that in mind we reached out to 21 candidates who have announced their intent to run for city council seats across all seven of Saint Paul’s Council Wards. We asked all of the candidates to respond to the following questions:

1. Minnesota Farm Wineries are allowed to sell bottles of wine on Sundays. Should qualifying local brewers be allowed to sell 64 oz / 750 ml growlers of beer on Sundays?
2. Several bills have been introduced to the 2015 state legislature that may ease or repeal the statewide ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales. If the Sunday liquor ban is repealed, would you vote to allow Saint Paul liquor stores to individually choose whether or not to operate on Sundays?

The candidates’ responses are below or follow the links for a specific ward.

Ward 1
Ward 2
Ward 3
Ward 4
Ward 5
Ward 6
Ward 7

*Editors note: If there are any candidates that would like to be included in this guide or if you find any inaccuracies, please send an email here, we will continue to update this poll as more information is received.

Ward 1

Trahern Crews – Green Party
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“Yes. Brewers should be able to sell 64 oz/750 ml growlers on Sunday.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“Yes! Saint Paul could use the tax dollars that escape to Wisconsin every Sunday.”

Dai Thao – DFL Incumbent
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“Yes.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“Yes, if there is an option to opt out by retailers without penalty.”

Samakab Hussein – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
*Candidate has not responded to multiple requests for comment.

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
*Candidate has not responded to multiple requests for comment.

Mohamed Said – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
*Candidate has not responded to multiple requests for comment.

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
*Candidate has not responded to multiple requests for comment.

Ward 2

Marit Brock – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“Yes, I support Sunday growler sales, and I am proud to see the growth of local breweries in Ward 2 and throughout Saint Paul. I want to make sure that Ward 2 is a great environment for small, family-owned businesses that really make up our American dream, and this includes local brewers in our ward like Bad Weather, Great Waters, Tin Whiskers, Vine Park, and Wabasha Brewing. We should work hard to support our local family-owned businesses and not restrict their business with rules that may no longer fit our times.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“Yes, I support the right of Saint Paul liquor stores to individually choose whether or not to operate on Sundays. I believe that the ban on Sunday sales is outdated and no longer reflects the needs of our communities. Many liquor stores are small businesses, and we should support their efforts to succeed and not restrict their business with rules like a ban on Sunday sales.”

Louis Garcia – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“I support brewers, wineries, and businesses that sell their products. The city shouldn’t impose any law that prevents these establishments to serve consumers seven days a week. I’m opposed to this restriction at the state level and will be an advocate to repeal the statewide ban on Sunday off-sale liquor, beer, and wine sales.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“The state should not require or dictate what days of the week a businesses should be open. Each business should be able to decide if they want to keep their establishment open on Sunday. If the ban is repealed I will be an advocate for Saint Paul’s business interest and should the state contradict our interests, I will work at the city level to protect our businesses.”

Cara Martner – Independence Party
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“I certainly believe if Wineries are allowed to sell alcohol on Sundays that local qualifying brewers should be allowed to do the same.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“Although I am personally disappointed by the amount of effort and focus that goes into fighting the Sunday liquor ban year after year when there are more important issues to focus on for the future of Saint Paul, I agree that each liquor store should be given the right to individually choose whether or not to operate on Sundays.”

Rebecca Noecker – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“Yes, absolutely. Maintaining separate standards for wineries and breweries makes no sense and is discriminatory. The exciting interest in local brewing promises to bring much-needed local business to our city, expanding our tax base and making Saint Paul more attractive to young professionals and recent college graduates looking for a place to call home. We should be doing all we can to encourage and support this burgeoning field; imposing a double-standard does exactly the opposite.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“Yes. While I am in favor of repealing the ban on Sunday liquor, beer and wine sales, I believe business owners have the right to decide their operating hours based on what they feel will make most sense for their business.”

Darren Tobolt – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“I’m excited by the expanding brewing economy in Saint Paul. I understand that this is an issue for consideration by the state legislature and would require a state law change. If that law were to pass, I would support modifying necessary city ordinances to support the small brewing community. Something I believe we can do under current law is change our ordinance to allow growler sales until 10pm on weeknights, I would like to explore that option to encourage development in Saint Paul.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“If the State of Minnesota were to allow Sunday sales, I would certainly be open to easing city ordinances to support all of our small businesses.”

Ward 3

Chris Tolbert – DFL Incumbent
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“Yes. Minnesota’s current blue laws are out-of-date and bad for our local business owners. The City should take steps to ease these restrictions. In Minnesota we have a booming craft beer industry and we should support these entrepreneurs and give Minnesota consumers the option to buy a growler of their favorite brew on a Sunday.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“Yes, should the Sunday liquor ban be repealed, I would vote to allow Saint Paul liquor stores to individually choose whether or not to operate on Sundays. That decision should be in the hands of the store owners. Any attempt to continue to ban the sale of off-sale liquor in Saint Paul after a repeal of the statewide sunday liquor ban would negatively impact Saint Paul businesses and Saint Paul residents.”

Ward 4

Russ Stark – DFL Incumbent
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“Yes.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“Yes.”

Curtis Stock – Independent
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“Yes of course. Politicians cowering to their big contributors crushed this item before. It makes no sense to make a great craft beer community that brings people here then tell patrons and visitors that they can’t take some home to enjoy because it’s Sunday.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“Again, yes of course. A business should be allowed to decide when they are open for business. On-sale is legal on Sunday and off-sale should be as well.”

Ward 5

David Glass – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“As a small business owner in the hospitality industry for almost 20 years I know and understand the struggles of revenue streams. I believe in promoting local businesses, all businesses should be able to operate on Sundays if they choose. I believe local breweries should have the same options as everyone else we need a fair and equal business environment.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“As a small business owner in the hospitality industry for almost 20 years I know and understand the struggles of revenue streams. I believe in promoting local businesses, all businesses should be able to operate on Sundays if they choose. If elected to the City Council, I would vote to give liquor businesses the same opportunities to operate on Sundays as everyone else.”

Amy Brendmoen – DFL Incumbent
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
Yes.

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
Yes.

Ward 6

James Lockwood – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“In more ways than one, Minnesota’s craft brewers and distillers are revitalizing whole neighborhoods and communities and helping to bring new vitality to our cities and state. It only makes sense to bring parity between these artisan industries that are giving the state a national reputation for creativity, quality and livability.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“Saint Paul’s residents deserve to be able to shop where they live, whether it’s a Friday, Monday, or Sunday. Additionally, as a city, we can’t afford to see our tax revenues go to neighboring communities because of differing blue laws. Personally, I would like to buy wine on Sunday to go with the dinner I bought on Sunday, so, yes, I would support Sunday liquor sales in Saint Paul.”

Dan Bostrom – DFL Incumbent
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
*Candidate has not responded to multiple requests for comment.

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
*Candidate has not responded to multiple requests for comment.

Ward 7

Elliott Nickell – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“Saint Paul has many great small craft breweries, and they should be supported. I support craft beer Sunday growler sales.“

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“I support the repeal of the ban. Currently, Minnesota loses out on tax revenue to Wisconsin, because people drive there to buy beer, liquor, or wine on Sundays. As I am writing this, on Super Bowl Sunday, many people are driving to Wisconsin to buy beer. I would support allowing liquor stores to decide whether or not to operate on Sundays.”

Jane Prince – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“Yes.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“My answer to both questions is an enthusiastic yes. One of my campaign priorities is to increase our city’s support of locally owned independent businesses, who offer tremendous vitality to the local economy. I am very supportive of removing barriers to the success of local businesses.”

Paul Sawyer – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“I would like to see this expanded to local brewers. Saint Paul has a thriving brewing industry which should be supported as much as possible.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“Should the legislature allow for Sunday sales, I am in favor of allowing liquor stores in Saint Paul to engage in Sunday sales. This option is good for consumers and for businesses.”

John Slade – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
“Yes, if farm wineries can sell their product on Sundays, local brewers should be able to sell growlers. This is not only justice, but it’s important for promoting local businesses and local production.”

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
“If bars are allowed to sell liquor on Sundays, then off-sale should follow suit. There are only two days that most people have off of work, and it makes no sense to keep them from buying wine, beer, and liquor to take home on one of those two days.”

Steve Frazer – DFL
Candidate supports Sunday growler sales?
*Candidate has not responded to multiple requests for comment.

Candidate supports repeal of the ban on Sunday off-­sale liquor, beer, and wine sales?
*Candidate has not responded to multiple requests for comment.

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Sidhe Brewing: Crafting a Magical Taproom for All

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Among the signs for businesses on the Plaza Del Sol building in east St. Paul you’ll find one for the not quiete open taproom of Sidhe (pronounced She) Brewing.  When you enter the building there are three restaurants, a salon, t-shirt store but no brewery in sight.  Walk all the way to the back.  The area with no lights worried me but it will be lit soon enough.  I was rewarded from squinting when on saw the brewery logo on a set of double doors.

As I walked through the brewery’s double doors I was greeted by hand-welding from head brewer and overall mastermind of Sidhe Brewing Kathleen Culhane. How else do you add an inch to a metal door and frame that was rescued from a high school and built in a time of different code regulations? This kind of do it yourself work is indicative of the values of Sidhe Brewing. It can be seen every where your eye can fall in the taproom. Kathleen has taken DIY to the next level. “Every skill I’ve learned in life has prepared me for this,” says Kathleen. From building the 2-barrel brew system (including the electrical), the brew house control panel, and the custom blow off bucket holder on the fermenters. Everything but the walls and the cooler has Kathleen’s skills and her crews hard work all over it.

KathleenThe Sidhe taproom just received national certification so don’t expect it to open next week.  Currently, there is no firm opening date as we all know how the wheels of government turn, but there’s a strong chance of having some geektastic times with brews in the coming months. To reach their opening day goals they do need a little help.  They just launched an Indiegogo for that final push to get the taproom up and running. Contributing will provide a needed east St. Paul taproom offering the smooth tunes (the sound system is epic) and great conversation for all to enjoy. On the Indiegogo you’ll find a run down of the 6 beers that will be the standard offering of the taproom. The Mexican lager caught my eye. A wonderful nod to the building and community that Sidhe lives in. Pairing this with some of the food from the front of the building (which, I’m told, there will be a discount in when ordering when going to the taproom) sounds like a start to a great evening.

“Every skill I’ve learned in life has prepared me for this,” says Kathleen Culhane.

The next time to try Sidhe Brewing before they open will be at the taproom but before an official opening of the taproom. On Nov. 1st, and in collaboration with Summerland Spirit Festival, they will celebrate Samhain, giving honor to and communicating with the dead as the veil to the spirit world is the thinnest according to Wiccan belief. Try out some samples of Sidhe Brewing wares and honor your departed. Check their Facebook event page for all the info.

Just as Sidhe’s logo borrows from the Pagan idea of four elements coming together to make magic there’s a magic about this brewery as it combines with it’s surrounding community that will be hard to recreate in the Twin Cities brewing scene. “We’re a taproom first,” says Kathleen. The only rule is to “be nice” as long as you hold to that everyone is welcome and they mean Everyone. Interests and personalities of all types will find a loving place at the Sidhe Brewing taproom.

SidheLogo

Find even more info on Sidhe Brewing at their website here.

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Lake Monster Brewing to open Saint Paul brewery and taproom in 2015

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Lake Monster Brewing has announced a partnership with real estate developer First & First to open a new microbrewery and taproom at the Vandalia Tower complex located at 550 Vandalia Street in Saint Paul. Construction will begin soon and Lake Monster plans to begin production at the new brewery early next year and to open the taproom next summer.

Lake Monster Brewing has been producing beer at Sand Creek Brewing in Black River Falls, Wisconsin under the supervision of Lake Monster Brewmaster Matt Lange. Their two flagship beers – Empty Rowboat IPA and Calhoun Claw Pilsner are available across the Twin Cities.

Lake Montser Brewing IPA“We’ve been very happy with the quality of beers and the growth of our brand under our current brewing arrangement, but the plan has always been to build our own brewery in the Twin Cities,” said Lake Monster Brewing Founder and President Matt Zanetti. “We are very excited to be partnering with First & First on this project creating a home for Lake Monster in Saint Paul.”

“Brewing is continuing to boom in Saint Paul and I congratulate Lake Monster on joining this diverse and growing industry in our city,” said Mayor Chris Coleman. “I look forward to celebrating with Lake Monster when they open next year.”

In addition to increasing Lake Monster’s production capacity and opening their own taproom, the new brewery will provide the opportunity to expand into brewing many other styles of beer.

Lake Monster Brewing Logo“The new brewery will give us a chance to experiment and try out a whole bunch of new styles and recipes, many of which will only be available in the taproom,” said Lake Monster Brewmaster Matt Lange. “As a brewer, this is where I get to have some fun.”

The Lake Monster Brewery in the Vandalia Tower Complex will sit near I-94 and University Avenue, one block south of the Green Line. Lake Monster will join several breweries and taprooms to make the Green Line the most delicious section of mass transit east of the Mississippi river.