GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The COVID-19 pandemic forced small business owners across the country to scramble and figure out new and innovative ways to keep their customers safe. "The outfield" patio at The Mitten Brewing Co. was one such idea. Co-owner Max Trierweiler says you can tell by looking at the space that it was designed with a global pandemic in mind, and now it's time for a change.
"It is a relic of COVID," Trierweiler said, noting the plastic picnic tables and the paint-striped asphalt that indicates the space used to be a parking lot.
"We're going to tear out all the asphalt. We're going to increase our green space along the outside of the outfield. We're going to add new new furniture and some shade sails for comfort."
The sun sails will be situated in such a way that will highlight the former Sullivan Field scoreboard, which has been the focal point of the space for nearly two years now. The plan will also bring new furniture to the space.
"I'm really excited about how it's going to look, aesthetically. It's going to be pleasing, as opposed to what it looks like now. It doesn't stop people from using it right now. It's still busy and packed in the outfield on nice days and weekends, but it's just going to be a lot more welcoming, and I think our employees and our customers are going to appreciate it," Trierweiler said.
The cost for the project could potentially reach six figures. The next step is for brewery leaders to go before the city planning commission on June 13. If that goes well, groundbreaking could happen as soon as the following Monday. They hope to have work done by the 4th of July.
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