Built: 1902
In 1902, the Milwaukee Gas Light Company began construction of what was known as the West Side Water Works. The campus was originally designed to facilitate the coal gasification process which provided the coal gas used to light street lamps throughout the City of Milwaukee. The buildings were planned and designed more than a century ago by Alexander Eschweiler. During this time period, coal gasification was a common means of providing the gas for the street lamps and homes in cities throughout the United States and Europe.
In 2012, the concept behind 4 Brothers Blended Beer Company began to ferment. They worked hard to develop relationships and establish distribution, which has given City Lights the opportunity to now become a “best-in-class” craft brewer. In 2014, 4 Brothers began the search for the perfect site for its brewing, retail, office, entertainment, hospitality, and distribution operations. February 1st 2017, 4 Brothers officially opened a craft brewery utilizing two of these iconic campus buildings and re-launched as “The City Lights Brewing Company”. With buildings designed by the famous Alexander Eschweiler, the first steel exported from Pennsylvania by Andrew Carnegie and brickwork hand-glazed by Tiffany; the City Lights buildings will amaze, educate and delight you.
Visitors will be able to see the majesty of the restored 115 year old building which has been transitioned into a state-of the art brewery through the glass doors separating the tasting room from the brewery. View the original 1902 architectural drawings of Alexander Eschweiler, see a photo showing the original Milwaukee Gas Company campus, tour the hospitality area, and relax in the beer garden with the calming waters of the Menomonee river gently flowing by. All Doors Open visitors will also receive a complimentary 5 ounce pour of the City Lights beer of their choice for the tasting.
Learn more about Doors Open Milwaukee
For more 360VR interactive images and tours visit the Tour de Force 360VR website.