West Columbia is getting a new enterprise that could be described as a gamechanger.

Savage Craft Ale Works is coming to West Columbia’s River District. The new brewery is scheduled to open in late Spring 2019 in the old Brookland Fire Station/City Hall building at 430 Center Street, West Columbia.

“I’m excited that we have the opportunity to repurpose the original fire station, jail, and city hall for use in the modern era,” said West Columbia Mayor Bobby Horton. “It will be an awesome addition to the entire redevelopment of the State Street and Meeting Street communities. Citizens will be able to enjoy this new addition to the existing mix of wonderful businesses.”

Savage Craft Ale Works will add to the revitalization of the River District. The idea behind it is to attract traffic to enjoy the artisan, residential, and recreational features.

The city is planning an Interactive Art Park and Artisan Market at State and Meeting Streets, and the multi-million-dollar Brookland Development is opening in the same area.

Savage Craft Ale Works will blend in with the parks along the Riverwalk and the existing businesses to create a vibrant outdoor community opportunity.

“I’m very excited for the opening of the brewery,” said Mayor Pro-Tem Temus C. “Tem” Miles.

“I think it will be the first step in moving into a full entertainment district and expanding the revitalization from State Street up Meeting Street.”

“We began working on our vision for this historic property in early 2017 and are humbled by how West Columbia officials have embraced our concept,” said a brewery spokesperson. “We look forward to sharing this new experience with our guests and offering the community an authentic, welcoming, and family-friendly destination.”

Paying homage to the unique and historic character of the 1925 Fire Station and City Hall and 1906 Jail, the redevelopment of the property preserves the existing buildings and character while promoting an attractive addition to the property.