World of Beer signs lease to open on first-floor of downtown Ann Arbor high-rise
The 600 tenants living in the new Landmark student high-rise on South University Avenue won’t have to travel far to get their craft beer fix.
World of Beer, a craft beer bar franchise and live music venue, signed a lease this month to become the fourth tenant on the first-floor of the 14-story high rise, according to JJ Smith, executive vice president of development and construction for Campus Acquisitions. Campus Acquisitions sold Landmark to Texas-based American Campus Communities in a deal that closed last month.
Founded in 2007, Florida-based World of Beer has 32 locations and eight pending openings, according to its website. There are no locations in Michigan.
The bar’s goal: to bring craft beer to the masses.
“It is important that a broad spectrum of patrons, from the beer aficionado to the casual beer fan, can enjoy the best beers on the planet and increase their beer knowledge in a comfortable and upbeat setting,” the website says.
The four retail tenants on the first-floor of Landmark are 7-Eleven, No Thai!, Tim Hortons and World of Beer.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
World of Beer bars have more than 500 domestic and imported beers in stock, including roughly 40 beers on tap. The selections rotate seasonally.
Live music and sports also are big priorities.
“We are passionate about music, whether it is music we play over the sound system, or the live acts we bring in for our guests’ enjoyment,” the website says.
“With numerous high definition TVs, we have all the major sports packages ready to play on game day,” it continues.
A World of Beer franchisee signed a lease for the 3,200-square-foot space on the corner of the high-rise, located on the southeast corner of the South University and South Forest intersection. Smith said the bar will open in early spring. It will also have outdoor seating.
The deal marks the final retail lease for the first-floor of Landmark, which was listed for lease with Ann Arbor’s Colliers International for an annual $45 per square foot. The tenant lineup in the building: 7-Eleven, Tim Hortons, No Thai! and World of Beer.
Smith told AnnArbor.com in July that this specific tenant mix was chosen for the “amenity” it brings to Landmark residents.
Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2584 or email her at lizzyalfs@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.
Comments
BHurlow12
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 5:31 p.m.
I have been to a World of Beer a couple of times down south. I think it will be a great addition to A2. Great beer selection and they have live music. The atmosphere was relaxed and fun, not stuffy or overpriced. Michigan is one of the top Micro brewing states out there. Hopefully they will have lots of Michigan breweries featured. I will definitely check it out.
Frustrated in A2
Thu, Oct 18, 2012 : 3:40 a.m.
I'm all about new types of beers to try!
Goober
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 7:19 p.m.
Hmmmmmmmmmmm, beer!
AlfaElan
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 7:14 p.m.
A beer store that also sells beer on tap? Sounds like a poor substitute for Village Corner. Personally I don't see Ann Arbor needing such a thing. We already have plenty of stores that sell as large of variety, and we have bars like Ashley's that also have good food. I for one don't go out for just a beer. They might do well because of the students, but I'd rather go to Arbor Brewing or the Corner Brewery if I want to sit and have a beer. Then again I don't need someplace I can walk to from the UgLi....
johnnya2
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 5:44 p.m.
I think people who are complaining about this place not working have obviously never been to a WOB. Check out their web site. http://wobusa.com This is NOT a high end type place, It is a place for people of all levels to enjoy BEER. Last I checked, college students are a big consumer of beer. I have been to a WOB in Florida and it was enjoyable. It was NOT overly expensive and my only complaint was the lack of food.
Chris Hall
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 5:27 p.m.
I'll pop in for a pint sometime just to see what it's all about. Ashley's is great, but parking is not.
LAEL
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 8:29 p.m.
And parking will be better on South U.?
Goober
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 7:22 p.m.
No place to park a bike?
B2Pilot
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 3:56 p.m.
I'm assuming they already have a liquor license. Sounds like an enforcement nightmare, a bar inside a residence hall.
johnnya2
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 5:40 p.m.
Why is it an enforcement nightmare? First it is NOT a residence hall. Any student who wants to live in that building is free to buy alcohol as long as they provide proof of age.
Cheri
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 1:42 p.m.
Ashley's has more beers on tap and is locally owned and operated, and even has food. I'd rather go there.
4 Fingers
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 1:15 p.m.
Do they have food, too?
An Arborigine
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 2:19 p.m.
Beer isn't food?
Lizzy Alfs
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 1:29 p.m.
I forgot to mention - they do not have food.
smokeblwr
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 11:51 a.m.
This is where the 1%ers' kids from the East Coast will get their beer I guess. Nobody I knew in college could afford a place like this. There must be a market for it based on the number of BMWs with NY plates around campus.
LXIX
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 11:18 a.m.
Ah yesss...the franchise-run town of Ann Arbor, known for its high-rise bars, its high-class beers, its high-school brawls, and,..its high-temp asian food? What? No Thai? how about No Pizza?
A2comments
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 10:28 a.m.
Students drink "crap" beer, not "craft" beer. And non-students won't go there. Also, majority of building tenants would be under 21.
Kyle Mattson
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 3:02 p.m.
I've never been to a World of Beer location A2c, but it seems that from their website that they are similar to an Ashley's in selection but with a Buffalo Wild Wings ambiance. It also appears that many of the franchises are targeting college towns. I don't see a concern with finding a population of customers, but how it will fit in with the existing bars around town, particularly those which offer live music and sports viewing as key components to their business.
DDOT1962
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 11:14 a.m.
Maybe you're not familiar with the students that rent these $1400.00/bed per month apartments and their more upscale tastes? These students have allowances that allow them to drink any beer they want. And I don't think age limits have ever been a hindrance to alcohol consumption for the resourceful college student.
TinyArtist
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 10:50 a.m.
Succinctly said sir (or sis).