Foxtown Brewing

This historic Opitz and Zimmermann Brewery represents the earliest manufacturing and commercial endeavors in the Town of Mequon (before it became the City of Mequon) in 1857.  Both the founders – William F. Opitz and Adolph Zimmermann – were among the first German immigrants in the Mequon Area.  Many additions have been constructed on this building over the years, but the original structure still remains underground today, complete with aging cellars.  SPSA’s Foxtown Brewing is a modern resurrection of the former brewing powerhouse. The project consisted of a complete historic renovation of the dilapidated structures into a fully operational brewery and restaurant, including outside seating on a large covered deck and beer garden. 

The restoration was historically “authentic” in the respect that the existing structure was preserved and the extensive improvements captured the historic reference. More specifically, the project opened up access and views through the connected multiple gabled historic buildings and features restored walls and floors with reclaimed wood and Cream City brick. The new bar pays tribute to its history with reclaimed oak that is also 150 years old, and a hammered-copper bar top. Beneath the bar/restaurant are two levels of fully restored brick and stone arched lager caves, a stone well, and the hearth used in the original brewery, illuminated with indirect lighting and accented with custom wrought iron grates and railing. Foxtown Brewing serves as a vital neighborhood cornerstone for the City of Mequon and the signature first phase of the master planned “Foxtown” development.