Round Barn, a Michigan beer, wine and spirits producer, will open a restaurant and a tasting room in the historic Grace United Methodist Church in Niles, Michigan.
The Niles City Council approved a tax abatement Monday night that paves the way for the third Round Barn location, the first in Niles.
The estimated cost of the rehabilitation is more than $1.3 million to meet state restaurant and tasting room laws. That abatement will freeze the current taxable value of the property for 10 years.
“We are delighted Round Barn is growing in Niles,” said Ryan Millin, Niles community development manager, in a press release. “This investment in the city is a wonderful addition supporting our economic development efforts. It is expected to add 15 permanent jobs when the restaurant/tasting room is complete, in addition to the jobs of those accomplishing the renovation construction.”
The school operating tax and the State Education Tax will still be levied on the new investment, but other local taxes will be frozen at the building’s current value until the 10-year term is complete.
Cornerstone Alliance helped Round Barn through the abatement process and answered questions during the commission meeting.
“Niles is a great location to expand our operations and directly serve more people who enjoy our beverages,” said Matthew Moersch, owner of Round Barn Winery. “It’s a significant growth milestone for us. Cornerstone Alliance efforts were significant in facilitating the application process with the city of Niles and providing strategic guidance to support this expansion project.”
Zach Vaughn, Cornerstone Alliance director of community improvement, said council members were understanding and made the process easy.
“Round Barn found a great location here in Niles, and the city worked closely with us to develop a path toward project achievability,” Vaughn said. “These collaborative efforts continue to prove Berrien County is a great place to grow business.”
