Great Northern reschedules groundbreaking

By Patrick Lynn

Great Northern Distilling will break ground on its new headquarters this week.

The successful distillery and craft cocktail space has already begun construction on its 12,500-square-foot space at 1009 Second St., the former home of the Belke lumber company that was demolished last September. Great Northern has been located in Plover’s Village Park since it was founded in 2013.

Brian Cummings, founder of Great Northern, said the formal groundbreaking ceremony is open to the public. The ceremony will be Friday, June 17 at 9 a.m.

The ceremony was previously scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, but Cummings rescheduled it due to a storm set of storms expected in the area.

The groundbreaking ceremony will feature company representatives, local government and business leaders, and the general contractor, Wanta & Son, inc.

Great Northern produces award-winning small-batch spirits from ingredients sourced from within 150 miles of the distillery.

Cummings said the new facility will serve as the company’s headquarters and is more than double the size of its former footprint. The new location features an expanded tasting room for “cutting-edge cocktails,” a dog-friendly patio, increased capacity for barrel aging, and an event space for small concerts and private parties.

Construction should be complete this fall, with an opening planned in November, Cummings said.