Emmett's Brewing Co. - West Dundee

When we set out to breathe new life into one of West Dundee’s most historic buildings, we weren’t just opening a brewery — we were helping reintroduce Main Street as a gathering place.

Emmett’s West Dundee occupies a building that has stood at the heart of the community for more than a century. Once a department store, it had long sat underutilized. We saw an opportunity to combine adaptive reuse with authentic hospitality, turning this proud structure into a destination brewery and restaurant that would once again draw people downtown.

The result? A landmark reimagined. Emmett’s is now an anchor for Main Street — a place where craft beer, good food, and community come together.

• Full‑service brewery and restaurant with a craft‑driven beer program.
   
• Adaptive reuse of a historic three‑story building, preserving original character while upgrading for modern use.
   
• Event and gathering spaces to host community and private functions.
  
   

This project was about more than beer. It:

• Reactivated one of downtown’s most prominent properties, bringing energy back to Main Street.
   
• Catalyzed further investment in the historic district.
   
• Created a destination for locals and visitors, strengthening West Dundee’s economic and cultural ecosystem.

• Preserved original architecture, including exposed brickwork and historic windows.
   
• Added custom wood and metalwork to create a warm, brewery‑inspired interior.
   
• Integrated branding that reflects the building’s heritage and Emmett’s craft ethos.
   

This is a building that celebrates its past while serving the community today.