Checkerspot Brewing Company Under Construction on Two-Story Addition

Checkerspot Brewing Company unveiled the first phase of its 10,000 sq. ft. facility at 175 W. Ostend St. on June 30th when it opened its first floor taproom to the public. Now, a two-story addition is under construction as Checkerspot moves forward with the second phase of the facility. The addition will add space to the first-floor taproom and allow Checkerspot to open its second-floor taproom and kitchen.

Checkerspot’s ownership team of Steve Marsh, Judy Neff, and Rob Neff is working with landlord Himmelrich Associates on the addition and is hoping it will be completed in October. With the first floor taproom already open, and the second floor taproom bar area already built-out, the addition will expand the floor space for both taprooms. Checkerspot will also add a stairwell between the two floors. This will allow customers and staff to travel between the two levels, and for the team to open the second-story kitchen.

Checkerspot is working South Baltimore company Duo Signage + Graphics on a permanent sign for the addition.

The addition will let in a lot of natural light and feature 12 ft. windows on the first floor.

The concrete pad for the addition was used as a temporary outdoor space for Checkerspot, but the brewery will be adding a permanent outdoor area in a grassy section just south of the new addition and adjacent to the loading dock.

175 W. Ostend St. is a 65,000 sq. ft. building that is undergoing a renovation which will include a new corrugated metal facade. Checkerspot, along with a couple other suites, face Sharp St.

Checkerspot has been open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays using an event license, but the company was approved for its full liquor license by the BLLC in June. Checkerspot is waiting on one final inspection before it can activate the license and expand its hours. The team expects that to be completed any day now. When the license is activated, Checkerspot will be open everyday but Tuesday.

Business is moving fast for Checkerspot as it began keg distribution in recent weeks. The team initially wasn’t sure how soon distribution would be a reality, but it happened sooner than expected.

“The idea was that we didn’t know how the beer was to taste at the beginning and you never distribute unless you stand behind the beer 100%,” said Judy Neff.

Checkerspot is now available at a handful of bars around South Baltimore, including Wiley Gunter which is currently running the Keeper Stout on nitro. Other Checkerspot beers include Psycho Haze Pale Ale, Daydream Cream Ale, Saison de Fleur, and Juniperus India Pale Ale.

Checkerspot will begin canning beers next month and will do its first can release on September 7th. Starting out, six packs of cans will just be available at the South Baltimore facility.

With the Ravens preseason underway, the Checkerspot team is getting really excited for the regular season with its location a block from the stadium and surrounded by tailgating lots. “I’ve always been excited for football and love the Ravens,” said Judy Neff. “But this year I’m really excited.”

In addition to welcoming crowds on gamedays, the team is hoping to sell six packs and crowlers to tailgaters in the area. Checkerspot will set up jockey boxes outside to be able to quickly pour crowlers to go. Radio station 100.7 The Bay will also broadcast on gamedays at the facility. Judy Neff said they are excited to pour purple-colored Locally Delicious Sour in honor of the Ravens.

The area around M&T Bank Stadium has become a hotbed for investment in recent years. This includes a new 5,000 sq. ft. event venue that opened across the street from Checkerspot at The Winslow Parker Metal Building, which is also owned by Himmelrich. Checkerspot looks forward to guests stopping by before and after weddings and events. Checkerspot is also hoping to provide beer for the venue.

Steve Marsh, Judy Neff, and Rob Neff

About the Author: Kevin Lynch

Founder and Publisher of SouthBmore.com, longtime resident of South Baltimore, and a graduate of Towson University. Diehard Ravens and O's fan, father of three, amateur pizza chef, skateboarder, and "bar food" foodie. Email me at Kevin@InceptMM.com and follow me on Twitter at @SoBoKevin.