URGENT UPDATE: The future of the former Pretoria Fields Brewing facility in downtown Albany is on the line as the Albany City Commission prepares for a crucial decision in January 2024. The city is racing to finalize its acquisition of the brewery, which has been closed since late 2024 following a foreclosure by the primary lender.
The city is actively seeking control over the brewery and taproom, and city officials, including Albany City Manager Terrell Jacobs, anticipate completing the deal within days. “We expect to acquire primary interest soon, which would provide full control,” Jacobs stated.
Commissioner Chad Warbington emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting, “We might have one more small hurdle before the bank purchase from Southwest Georgia Farm Credit.” The upcoming commission meeting will determine whether to accept the existing bid from Socius Beer Collective, a Lawrenceville-based company interested in reviving the facility.
Earlier this year, the city invited proposals to gauge interest in reopening the brewery, and Socius Beer Collective emerged as a frontrunner. Their proposal includes a significant shift in operations—replacing large brew tanks with smaller ones and focusing on local production. Partner and COO John Reynolds expressed a desire to incorporate a food element into the taproom, aiming to create a family-friendly destination.
“If we can vote on this in January, I guarantee you they could be here in March and have the brewery back open,” Warbington stated. He stressed the importance of acting quickly, warning that delays could jeopardize Socius’s interest due to the ongoing uncertainties surrounding the project.
Mayor Bo Dorough has indicated he is open to reconsidering the brewery’s proposal, acknowledging the previous challenges faced due to COVID-19. The mayor recognized that the facility previously served as a vibrant hub for community events like markets and trivia nights, which significantly contributed to downtown Albany’s appeal.
In order to protect its investment of approximately $1.2 million in construction and brewing equipment, the city needed to secure the first position on the foreclosed loans. Dorough criticized the earlier decision to solicit bids without a clear ownership path, stating, “We shouldn’t have solicited bids until the ownership issue was resolved.” He highlighted that potential bidders might have hesitated due to the foreclosure uncertainties.
The upcoming commission meeting in January will be pivotal. With the prospect of revitalizing a key downtown site, the decision could reshape Albany’s nightlife and social scene. Residents and stakeholders are urged to stay engaged as developments unfold.
As the situation progresses, the community’s hopes for a thriving brewery with food options hinge on the city commission’s decision. The time to act is now, as Albany aims to reclaim a community asset that promises to enhance local engagement and economic vitality.