Historic Lehigh Valley Barn Could Soon Be Converted Into Craft Brewery, Report Says

Lower Macungie's Board of Commissioners on Thursday approved an application for the adaptive mixed-use of Willows Barn on Willow Lane, WFMZ reports.

The plan was submitted by the East Texas Barn Co. LLC, which is seeking to convert the 114-year-old barn into a distillery, brewery and taproom complete with a back deck, fire pits, a playground and more -- all overlooking the Little Lehigh River, according to a proposal obtained by Daily Voice (see attachment at the bottom of this story).

The property was purchased by father-son-duo Ronald R. Beitler and Ronald W. Beitler, both on the Board of Commissioners. 

The younger Beitler and his business partner Jason Mulligan, will man the new brewery, Beitler said. Mulligan is the owner of Rising River brewery.

The new distillery will be owned by Greg Smith, who owns Three Little Birds Distillery, Beitler said.

The taproom will offer weekly entertainment within guidelines and hours outlined below as well as provide food trucks to offer patrons dinner options, the statement says.

In addition to making the  barn economically viable, Beitler says he and his business partner are also proposing to preserve and protect the 130+ year old spring house previously located underneath the Willows restaurant.

Variances were granted last month allowing us to erect an enclosure around the spring in order to protect it from the elements.

Beitler and Mulligan are proposing to allow a local farmer set up a small farmstand underneath the front awning of the barn to sell produce grown on the property. A very small farmstand is allowed per zoning.

Raspberries, rhubarb and other crops including the possibility of hops will also be grown onsite to be incorporated into Brewery and Distillery recipes and products.

See Attachment

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