I had an inquiry recently about this building, as it is one of the ones from the old site, that had images lost over the years. I had a quick look and dug up some photos of the place. As I have no notes to indicate the photos I had used back in 2011. The brewery was established in 1927, and local architect Nichols, Sheppard & Masson, were hired to design the building. Construction started in late 1927, and the building opened in 1928. There is a photo above from January, 1928, showing the building under construction.
The brewery operated until 1945, when the industry consolidated many of the smaller breweries into the larger ones. The British-American Brewery in Windsor, The Hofer in Lasalle, and the Walkerville Brewery all disappeared during this industry consolidation. The photo above shows the building in 1985 when it was being used as a warehouse. There was at one point a smaller single story office slapped on the front of the building, which has since disappeared as well.
The photo above shows the building back in 2006, it was last home to the county market, but I have no idea if that business is still operating, or what the building is used for today. It’s in great shape overall, however, and hopefully one day it will live a new life.
Have a safe and happy holiday season everyone! We’re going to take a few weeks off here at IM.com world headquarters. We’ll see you back here Monday January 6th.
The building is now privately owned and used as a warehouse. I know the owner and can assure you the building is in good condition, however out of privacy I will not reveal his name.
Around 1972 Hofer blog was a die casting factory with some presses as well. Also was a circular stair case that went from ground to top. Only main floor was used for factory. One of the owners had a small wook shop upstairs as I recall
Was called Mendler Manufacturing
I have lived in Lasalle since 2015 and always wondered what that big building was. I’m glad it is still in use for something. It would make a great craft brewery!
Trealout General Contractors put the addition on the side of that building in the late 70’s. I was driving by this morning thinking how cool it would be if that clock worked.