The Block Distilling Co. started planning its opening in RiNo in 2015, way before learning that its neighbors would be Odell Brewing Co. and Shake Shack.
Kraig Weaver is hoping to open the distillery with his fiancee, Michelle Flake, and brother, Kameron Weaver, sometime this summer. The trio is converting The Block Building at 2990 Larimer St into a spot for gin, vodka and other spirits.
Across the street, Shake Shack is planning to open its first Denver restaurant later this year at the northwest corner of 30th and Larimer streets. Just south of that, Odell Brewing Co. is planning to open a taproom in late 2017 at 2945 Larimer St.
"It's a great neighborhood to be in," Kraig Weaver said Tuesday while standing in what could soon be his tasting room. "It's growing really fast, but it has that artistic feel still. And the RiNo Art District is doing a really great job of trying to maintain that."
The Block Distilling Co. is actually replacing art galleries that once occupied the space. The partners behind the distillery plan to keep a few of the existing murals in the building as they work on creating "a classy cocktail vibe" with a little "industrial and art", Weaver and Flake said.
"We know there are eight breweries, two cideries and a winery, but there's no distillery in this area," Flake said. Mile High Sprits was previously so successful on the block it was able to expand at its current location in LoDo.
The Block Distilling Co. is hoping to recreate some of that success.
Business & data reporter Adrian D. Garcia can be reached via email at [email protected] or twitter.com/adriandgarcia.
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