BEFORE THERE WAS BEER

Built during the prohibition years, the four renovated storefronts that now house Gella's Diner and Lb. Brewing Co. used to be home to Western Union and Midwest Energy. Now, it is part of the Chestnut Street District, Hays' rising shopping and entertainment venue.

Built in the 1920s, these four storefronts previously housed Western Union and Midwest Energy and were covered with a one-story aluminum façade.

The first challenge in renovation was to stabilize the collapsed ceiling in the second building. After sandblasting and restoring the building's original trusses, the ceiling was corrected and exposed. Other challenges included replacing chiseled and damaged brick with limestone, unifying the storefronts with a steel I-beam, and conforming the different floor levels of the four buildings to ADA standards.

Backed by a group of local investors supporting the downtown's revitalization, the brewery and diner are inspired by icons from the Midwestern economy. From hand-painted murals to industrial agricultural lighting, open spaces and references to early railroad cars, the brewery and diner strive to accomplish an industrial farm look and a fresh, yet traditional atmosphere.