Downtown will soon get a new taproom and restaurant.
Albuquerque-based Geltmore LLC, Ex Novo Brewing Co. and a group of local investors on Thursday finalized the purchase of the former Firestone location on Seventh Street and Central Avenue and will turn the 11,000-square-foot building into Ex Novo Brewing’s second New Mexico location.
The group purchased the former tire shop from Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation, and between the building cost and renovations, they expect the project to cost $4 million. They expect to have the taproom opened by the 51st Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta this October.
“I grew up in New Mexico and always hoped to be able to come back,” said Joel Gregory, founder of Ex Novo Brewing. “I love the history, the story and the character of this building and am 100% committed to seeing downtown thrive. This is such a cool property, and after two years of dreaming and planning, it’s finally coming to fruition.”
Geltmore LLC, who is heading the development team, said it hopes the new Ex Novo Brewing location will become an “anchor tenant” as part of Albuquerque’s ongoing revitalization efforts Downtown.
In a statement, Geltmore LLC Vice President Adam Silverman thanked the seller, Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation, for their aligned vision for a revitalized Downtown corridor.
“They share our vision for a vibrant downtown and we are thrilled to bring this first of its kind concept to Albuquerque’s core,” he said.
The renovation of the building will include the taproom and restaurant on the bottom floor, with the top floor serving as a mezzanine lounge bar area. A café is also included in the project.
A spokeswoman for the group, Jamie Dickerman, said the menu for the restaurant is still being determined and that the project itself has been in the works for two years. She said construction permitting for the project will begin later this month. A general contractor has yet to be selected, though there is an architect – Albuquerque-based Modulus Design.
For Ex Novo Brewing, the Downtown taproom will be its second location in New Mexico. The brewing company – founded in Portland, Oregon nearly a decade ago – first came to New Mexico in 2019 when it opened a taproom in Corrales.
Since entering New Mexico, the brewing company has become a favorite of locals in the Albuquerque area. That popularity eventually led to a partnership with New Mexico United in 2021 for a United-themed beer, “Stay Goalden.”
