Construction is now complete at 45th Parallel Distillery in New Richmond on an 8,000 sq. ft. special events space and tasting room. When the distillery was first built in 2006 and began producing its first vodka in 2007, the primary focus was production of distilled spirits, and particularly clear spirits. Since that time, aged spirits, such as whiskey and bourbon, have become much more popular and make up about 90% of the operation’s production.
Along with the popularity of distilled spirits and an interest in the craft of distilling, visitor traffic has increased steadily and 45th Parallel Distillery has become a destination. The need for additional everyday visitor, tasting, tours, merchandise, and event space has grown and the new space focuses on hosting visitors. The venue includes a first-floor space to accommodate up to 250 people with room for an additional 75 or so in the mezzanine space. Outdoor patio space extends the capacity, as well. Flexibility has been considered in the design, as well, allowing for two separate events to take place at the same time and accommodations for smaller group events.
The project was barely underway when the COVID quarantine began. “The COVID-19 quarantine was an interesting time for our company. We put energy into manufacturing hand sanitizer and donated it to the community and in turn received a great outpouring of public support. The uncertainty of COVID and rescheduled gatherings took pressure off the originally planned completion date. The facility was still completed quickly and close to the originally planned timeframe. We have hosted several small events already and are excited to welcome guests into our facilities again.”
Derrick Companies takes pride in the company core values and works each day and with every interaction to exemplify them through actions. When asked about the core values, Paul Werni said, “I would choose Family and Team Oriented as the core value that stood out to us on the job. We worked so closely with their team and got to know them so well. Our company is a family-owned business, as Derrick Companies is. It was a really excellent working relationship.”
“We are always grateful to work with a repeat client, such as 45th Parallel Distillery. This is an exceptional project for a beloved local company in our hometown of New Richmond and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Paul and his team,” says Aaron Sundeen, VP of Project Development at Derrick Building Solutions.
The 45th Parallel Event Center project earned a Silver Project of Distinction Award from Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin. The Projects of Distinction Awards recognizes projects that are built on merit. Due to COVID-19, the awards were presented remotely to the owners and contractors and a virtual celebration will take place on January 28, 2021.
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Learn more about 45th Parallel Distillery online when you click here.