By Joe Bachman
Contributor

STEVENS POINT — Members of the Planning Commission have officially green-lighted the construction of an O’so Brewery in Stevens Point.

O’so will take the plot of land on County Highway HH by Venture Dr. This area will neighbor notable facilities such as Adventure 212, The Store, and the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association. This only adds to the continued growth of the Crossroad Commons nearby.

The approximate location of O’so Brewery. (Photo: City of Stevens Point)

Owner Marc Buttera currently owns and operates the well-known location in Plover, and will expand his business with a conditional use permit that will see a new 30,000 sq. foot facility within the city’s East Park Commerce Center. With it will be hop fields, a kickball field, and walking paths totaling 20 acres to be developed.

According to city documents, the “manufacturing, bottling, and distribution of alcoholic beverages use is a conditional use within the Planned Industrial Development (PID) zoning district.”

According to Buttera in his permit application, “The proposed development of O’so Brewing will strengthen the community by providing a new place for gathering and relaxing. The new site will be able to accomdate expansions that Oso’s Brewery plans to have in the future. At the same time, tourism will also be expanded in the area, as O’sos plans to have activities revolve around the brewery to attract more people to visit.”

In addition, there will be a restaurant feature alongside a space for outdoor eating for future festivals and events. While this measure will still have to go through council for final approval, the motion was a unanimous slam dunk.

“Are they accepting applications?” joked Commission member Robert Brush before the vote.

Construction will likely begin this summer, will project completion and occupation in late 2018.