Iron City Brewery | A Project Documentary by McKim & Creed

The Iron City Brewery, a historic landmark in Pittsburgh, has been revitalized by the Pittsburgh Brewing Company. Founded in 1861 by Frauenheim and Vilsack, it was known for its Iron City lager, a pioneering beer in the region. The brewery's president, Todd Zwicker, shares his vision to make the brewery a relevant and supportive part of the local community. The transformation of an 1883 glass factory into a modern brewery was a unique project, involving aesthetic restoration and innovative engineering. The facility now serves as a showpiece, with a focus on visitor engagement and brewing excellence. The project was a collaborative effort, considering the needs of brewers, visitors, and the beer itself. The brewery's lighting and systems are designed to be visually appealing and accessible. Future plans include a craft distillery, restaurant, marina, and outdoor entertainment, aiming to make the site a destination. The capacity of the systems has been designed to allow for expansion, with ample power supply to support future growth. The Iron City Brewery is a symbol of Pittsburgh's heritage, and its rebirth is a testament to the city's enduring spirit and the company's commitment to quality and community.

Takeaways

• 🍺 The Pittsburgh Brewing Company was founded in 1861 by two gentlemen, Frauenheim and Vilsack, with Iron City lager as their main beer.
• 🏭 The new brewery is housed in a building originally constructed in 1883 for a glass factory, which has been transformed into a brewery.
• 📈 Todd Zwicker, the president of Pittsburgh Brewing Company, emphasizes the goal of the brewery being relevant and supportive of the local region.
• 🔄 The project started in March 2020 and faced many challenges but was completed in a short time, showcasing the adaptability and resilience of the team.
• 🏗️ The building's transformation involved significant restoration work, revealing beautiful brick and steel structures that contribute to its unique aesthetic.
• 🎨 The project's main role was to enhance the aesthetics, turning the facility into a showpiece while maintaining its historical charm.
• 🤝 The project had to satisfy three clients: the brewers, the visitors, and the beer itself, requiring careful planning for the flow of people and products.
• 💡 Lighting was a key element in the project, with a focus on creating different layers of lighting that would enhance the space without detracting from its historical beauty.
• 🚰 The engineering of the new system allows for better output, more consistent, and higher quality products compared to the old system.
• 📈 The brewery has expansion plans including a craft distillery, restaurant, marina, and outdoor venture, aiming to become a destination place.
• ⚙️ The systems installed have been designed with generous capacity, allowing for future increases in production and additional ventures on the site.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The vision of making the brewery an attraction resonates with the local community, with many looking forward to visiting and experiencing the facility.

Q & A

When was the Pittsburgh Brewing Company started?

The Pittsburgh Brewing Company was started in 1861 by two gentlemen, Frauenheim and Vilsack.

What was the main beer produced by the Pittsburgh Brewing Company at its inception?

The main beer produced by the Pittsburgh Brewing Company at its inception was Iron City lager, which was the first lager in the Pittsburgh area and one of the first in Western Pennsylvania.

Who is Todd Zwicker and what is his role in the company?

Todd Zwicker is the president of the Pittsburgh Brewing Company. He has grown up in Pittsburgh and has been a part of the company for a long time.

What was the project that started around March 2020?

The project that started around March 2020 involved transforming an old glass factory from 1883 into a new brewery for the Pittsburgh Brewing Company.

What was the goal of the new brewery?

The goal of the new brewery was to give people a reason to engage with the brand, showcasing that the company is relevant and supportive of the hometown region.

What was unique about the project's location?

The unique aspect of the project's location was that it was previously a glass plant, known as PPG number 1, which was built in 1883. The building itself became one of the coolest pieces of the brewery.

How did the team approach the aesthetics of the new brewery?

The team's main role was to bring aesthetics to the brewery. They restored the facility from a state of disrepair, uncovered beautiful brick and steel, and worked to maintain the traditional factory facility's charm while making necessary repairs.

What were the challenges faced during the transformation of the brewery?

The challenges included transforming the space in a short amount of time, dealing with an old building with layers of paint and disrepair, and ensuring the new systems were accessible and visually pleasing for both workers and visitors.

How did the team address the lighting for the new brewery?

The team worked to create different layers of lighting that would function well for the brewers, visitors, and the beer itself. They aimed to highlight the brew vessels without drawing attention away from the building's historical beauty.

What are the future plans for the Pittsburgh Brewing Company's site?

The company plans to expand the site into a destination place with a craft distillery, a restaurant, a marina, an outdoor venture, music entertainment, and a pavilion for outside seating.

How did the engineering of the new system compare to the old one?

The new system was a significant improvement over the old one, providing better output, more consistent product quality, and showcasing impressive engineering advancements.

What is the significance of Iron City Beer in Pittsburgh's culture?

Iron City Beer is deeply ingrained in Pittsburgh's culture, often associated with the city's identity alongside the Pirates, Steelers, and Heinz Ketchup. It is a staple in many households and has a strong historical presence in the region.

Outlines

00:00

🏭 Founding and Transformation of Pittsburgh Brewing Company

The first paragraph introduces the Pittsburgh Brewing Company, founded in 1861 by two gentlemen, Frauenheim and Vilsack. It highlights the significance of Iron City lager as the first lager beer in the Pittsburgh area and a notable one in Western Pennsylvania. Todd Zwicker, the president of the company, shares his lifelong connection to Pittsburgh and the brand's role in the region's identity. The narrative then shifts to the transformation of an old glass factory from 1883 into a modern brewery, emphasizing the project's start in March 2020 and the challenges overcome to complete it swiftly. The new brewery's purpose is to be a symbol of relevance and support for the local region. The paragraph also mentions the aesthetic restoration of the facility, the multifaceted nature of the project catering to brewers, visitors, and the beer itself, and the innovative lighting design that enhances the brewing equipment.

05:02

📈 Engineering and Expansion of Pittsburgh Brewing Company

The second paragraph delves into the technical and operational advancements made by the Pittsburgh Brewing Company. It discusses the improvements in the brewing system that have led to better output, more consistent, and higher quality products. The company's vision extends beyond brewing, with plans for a craft distillery, a restaurant, a marina, and an outdoor venture, aiming to create a destination rather than just a brewery. The infrastructure is designed with scalability in mind, with a capacity that could power a small city, allowing for future expansion. The paragraph concludes with personal anecdotes from individuals who have a deep-seated connection to Iron City Beer, emphasizing its cultural significance and the pride they feel in being part of the company's evolution.

Keywords

Iron City Brewery

Iron City Brewery refers to the Pittsburgh Brewing Company, which was started by two gentlemen, Frauenheim and Vilsack, in 1861. It is a significant part of Pittsburgh's history and culture, known for producing the first lager beer in the area. The brewery is central to the video's narrative as it represents the revival and transformation of a historic site into a modern brewery, symbolizing the continuity and evolution of the city's brewing tradition.

Pittsburgh Brewing Company

The Pittsburgh Brewing Company is the entity that operates the Iron City Brewery. It is led by Todd Zwicker, who is the president and a lifelong resident of Pittsburgh. The company's goal, as mentioned in the video, is to remain relevant and supportive of the local region, reflecting the brewery's deep connection to the city and its people. The company's history and its role in the community are integral to understanding the video's emphasis on local heritage and economic revitalization.

Todd Zwicker

Todd Zwicker is identified as the president of the Pittsburgh Brewing Company. His lifelong connection to Pittsburgh and his leadership role in the brewery signify the importance of local stewardship and continuity in the company's mission. His personal background and commitment to the project underscore the video's theme of community engagement and the rebirth of a historic brand.

PPG glass

PPG glass refers to the former PPG glass plant, which was established in 1883 and is now the site of the new Iron City Brewery. The transformation of the old glass factory into a brewery represents a blend of historical preservation and modern innovation. The video highlights the architectural and aesthetic appeal of repurposing the building, which adds depth to the narrative of urban renewal and the adaptive reuse of industrial spaces.

Aesthetics

In the context of the video, aesthetics pertain to the visual appeal and design elements of the new brewery. The project team was tasked with making the brewery a 'show piece,' which involved restoring the building's original brick and steel, as well as creating a visually pleasing environment for both the brewing process and visitor experience. Aesthetics are crucial to the video's message of blending the old with the new, and creating a space that is both functional and attractive.

Restoration

Restoration is a key concept in the video, describing the process of returning the old glass factory to its former glory while adapting it for new purposes. The restoration involved removing layers of paint to reveal the original brick and steel, repairing and painting the steel, and maintaining the building's traditional factory appearance. This process is central to the video's theme of respecting and celebrating the past while preparing for the future.

Brewers

Brewers are the individuals responsible for the production of beer at the Iron City Brewery. The video mentions the need to consider the brewers' movement and workflow within the new brewery design. The brewers represent the craftsmen and artisans who carry on the tradition of beer-making, and their role is essential to the video's portrayal of the brewery as a place where heritage and innovation come together.

Visitors

Visitors are an important aspect of the new brewery's function, as the facility is intended to be a destination that offers tours and engages the local community. The video discusses the design considerations for visitor experience, including the visibility of brewing equipment and the educational aspect of showcasing the brewing process. Visitors embody the community engagement and economic potential that the brewery aims to foster.

Lighting

Lighting is a significant design element in the brewery's renovation. The video describes the strategic use of lighting to highlight the brew vessels and create a visually appealing environment that complements the building's historical features. The lighting design is intended to be unobtrusive yet effective, enhancing the architecture without detracting from its natural beauty. This attention to lighting is part of the broader effort to create a welcoming and impressive space for both the brewing process and visitors.

Engineering

Engineering is a key aspect of the brewery's transformation, as it involves the technical and mechanical systems that enable the brewing process. The video emphasizes the advancements in the new system compared to the old, leading to better output, more consistent, and higher quality beer. Engineering represents the innovation and technological progress that underpins the brewery's ability to modernize while maintaining its traditional roots.

Craft Distillery

A craft distillery is mentioned as part of the brewery's future plans, indicating a diversification of the business and an expansion of the site's offerings. The inclusion of a craft distillery speaks to the video's theme of growth and development, as well as the brewery's ambition to become a multifaceted destination for visitors. This plan further illustrates the company's commitment to innovation and the enrichment of the local economy.

Highlights

In 1861, the Pittsburgh Brewing Company was established by two gentlemen, Frauenheim and Vilsack, with Iron City lager as their main beer.

Iron City lager was the first lager in Pittsburgh and one of the first in Western Pennsylvania.

Todd Zwicker, president of Pittsburgh Brewing Company, has been part of the company's growth in Western Pennsylvania.

The project to revitalize the brewery started in March 2020, transforming an old glass factory from 1883.

The new brewery aims to be relevant and supportive of the hometown region, enhancing its engagement with the community.

The building's history as PPG number 1 glass plant from 1883 adds to the brewery's unique appeal.

The project involved significant challenges, including building walls and pouring concrete while running equipment.

The transformation included sandblasting to reveal beautiful brick and steel, restoring the building to its traditional factory aesthetic.

The project had to accommodate three clients: brewers, visitors, and the beer itself, ensuring smooth flow for all.

Lighting design focused on enhancing the historical beauty of the building without detracting from it.

The brew vessels were highlighted to align with the windows, showcasing the brewing process to the outside world.

The brewery's systems are transparent and visually pleasing, designed for accessibility to both workers and visitors.

The engineering of the new system significantly improved output, consistency, and quality compared to the old system.

Expansion plans include a craft distillery, restaurant, marina, outdoor venture, and entertainment facilities.

The brewery has been designed with generous capacity, allowing for future increases in production.

The site's electrical capacity is substantial, with two transformers rated at 10,500 KVA, enough to power a small city.

Pittsburgh Brewing Company envisions the site as an attraction, not just a manufacturing operation.

The project's historical significance and aesthetic restoration make it a unique destination for visitors and locals alike.

The Iron City Beer brand is deeply ingrained in Pittsburgh's culture and history, with strong personal connections for many.

Engineering firm McKim & Creed is honored to be part of the project, bringing technical expertise to the table.