West Fork Whiskey Co., a local craft whiskey distillery in downtown Indianapolis, has announced plans to build a 35,000-square-foot agritourism facility in Westfield.
The additional capacity will make West Fork Whiskey one of the largest craft whiskey distilleries in the nation.
The $10-million development will span 12 acres at the northeast quadrant of 191st Street and Horton Road, across from Grand Park. The project features a 5,000-square-foot event center, retail space, a 4,000-square-foot restaurant with a cocktail lounge, a speakeasy and production and aging space.
“We’re looking to change the regional and national perception of Indiana as a whiskey producing state while creating an approachable and interactive experience,” co-founder Blake Jones stated. “This project is an incredible opportunity for our team to provide visitors a complete whiskey experience beyond our downtown tasting room, which will include facility tours, tasting classes, and a variety of educational components.”
The Indiana Economic Development Corp. offered West Fork Whiskey Co. up to $450,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job-creation plans. The tax credits are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim incentives when Hoosiers are hired. In addition, the Westfield City Council will consider additional incentives in the form of tax abatements on real and personal property.
The first phase of the Westfield expansion is expected to break ground in 2021, with the potential of future phases to include additional outdoor amenities, along with more acreage. Holladay Properties is the real estate developer for the project.
