Plans for a popular brewstillery were announced today at the La Porte Urban Enterprise Association meeting, according to La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody.
Blockhead Beerworks, known for its innovative craft beers and Asian-fusion cuisine, will open a new location in downtown La Porte this summer. The new venue, located at 1100 Lincolnway in the Carpenters Union Hall, will feature a vibrant, all-ages atmosphere perfect for families, friends and beer enthusiasts alike. Co-Founder Cory Muro said the new location will bring the same high-quality food and beverages that has made its Valparaiso location a favorite among locals.
"We're really excited to be expanding to La Porte and offering something fun and unique for the community," Muro said. "We have an incredible team who has worked really hard to bring amazing craft beer, innovative spirits and an inventive food menu to the region, and we can't wait to share it with the La Porte community. As a La Porte County resident, it makes it more exciting for me to bring Blockhead so close to home."
The Carpenters Union Hall space and the adjacent 70-car parking lot were purchased from Northwest Health La Porte in January of 2023. The remodel began later that fall and employed all local skilled labor to complete the project. The Union Hall will be housed on the second floor, with the restaurant space occupying the ground level. Central Midwest Carpenters Union Senior Representative John Carr said Blockhead is the perfect fit for the space.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Blockhead Brewery to our newly remodeled union hall in downtown La Porte,” Carr said. “This partnership is a perfect example of how we’re committed to investing in our community, creating opportunities, and revitalizing our downtown. Blockhead Brewery’s dedication to craftsmanship and quality aligns with the values of the Carpenters Union, and we’re excited to see their success in this new space.”
This project is made possible in part by a $200,000 grant from the La Porte Urban Enterprise Association, which they awarded during their regularly scheduled February meeting. The funds will be used to help offset the cost of building modifications. Dermody said this investment by the UEA continues the momentum of growth in the downtown.
"La Porte residents deserve the very best,” Dermody said. “When we look for development opportunities, we start with finding good partners and we have two of the best here with the Blockhead Team and the Carpenter's Union. This project is an exciting one in the heart of our Downtown and our team is confident it's going to be a major success."
To learn more about Blockhead Beerworks, visit blockheadbeer.com.
