Downtown Powell is watching for news on a familiar corner.
Powell officials say a new operator could soon take over the former Nocterra taproom at 41 Depot St., which closed Aug. 30, hopefully by the holidays, per Delaware Source reporting.
Downtown Powell has a way of making a vacant storefront feel like a missing tooth in a smile, and for the last two months the former Nocterra taproom at 41 Depot St. has been one of those spots. This week, city officials said there may be news soon.
I have kept to what Delaware Source reported, in an article by Taylor Henninger. Anything the report does not say, I have said so. Nothing here is a prediction about any business or any property.
What Happened to the Nocterra Taproom in Downtown Powell?
According to the report, Nocterra closed its Powell location on August 30, and the space has been vacant since. The building is owned by Daniel "Dan" McClurg, and the former flagship taproom is at 41 Depot St. in downtown Powell. The article says Nocterra's Powell and Columbus taprooms closed abruptly.
The report says co-owners Lori and Bryan Duncan posted on Facebook on August 31 that they would not validate circulating information, citing industry struggles, and that Nocterra's website displayed "Something's Brewing, Stay Tuned" in October, which was still up at the time of publication.
Could a New Operator Be Coming?
Possibly. At a Powell Development Corporation meeting on a Tuesday (the article does not give the exact date), Sean Hughes, the city's economic development director and PDC director, said an announcement could come soon. He told the board, "we should hear news shortly about a potential new operator in that space, hopefully for the holidays."
Hughes said city officials had met with the prospective tenant several times and described them as a potential "downtown partner." The report says Hughes did not identify the prospective tenant or say what type of business might occupy the space, and I will not guess either.
What Did the Property Owner Say He Wants?
The report says McClurg posted a "For Lease" sign on August 30 and said he wants a "good restaurant" or a "well-established brewery, not a start-up." The article notes that McClurg did not respond to a request for comment for this report.
What Happened to the City Grant?
The PDC voted to void a $25,000 performance-based business retention and expansion grant awarded to Nocterra. According to the report, the grant was part of a two-year agreement, and last year Nocterra received $23,550 to buy a delivery vehicle and met first-year requirements. Nocterra had committed to retaining 22.77 full-time equivalent positions and $1,230,650.47 in existing payroll in Powell, and to adding three positions and $150,000 in new payroll.
The board had also approved up to $25,000 for this year's legal costs related to a distribution network in the Cleveland area and possibly Dayton. With the business closed, the board voided it. Unused grant funds, plus money from three other voided facade grant agreements, create an $85,000 carryover into next year.
Hughes said a new grant could be worked out for new users if necessary. "We'll work out a potential new grant for the new users, if necessary, for their project to move forward in that building," he said.
What Is Happening on Depot Street?
City Manager Andy White said staff discussed building improvements with McClurg that would complement the planned reconstruction of Depot Street, including new parking, lighting and sidewalks. The Depot Street project was slated to start this fall but is delayed because asphalt must be poured while it is still warm. The report gives no new start date.
What Does the Report Not Say?
It does not name the prospective tenant, give an opening date or say which meeting or vote will come next. It also does not discuss home values, so I will not draw any link between this storefront and the housing market.
For anyone watching Powell, the practical takeaway is to follow the city and local news for official announcements, and to treat anything else as speculation until it is confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Nocterra close its Powell taproom? According to Delaware Source, Nocterra closed its Powell location at 41 Depot St. on August 30, and the space has been vacant since. The article says the Powell and Columbus taprooms closed abruptly. The building owner posted a For Lease sign on August 30. The report does not say whether the business plans to reopen elsewhere.
Is there a new operator for the former Nocterra space in Powell? Not yet announced. At a Powell Development Corporation meeting, economic development director Sean Hughes said an announcement could come soon, hopefully for the holidays, and that officials have met with a prospective tenant several times. The report says he did not identify the tenant or the type of business.
What happened to Nocterra's Powell city grant? The Powell Development Corporation voted to void a $25,000 performance-based business retention and expansion grant awarded to Nocterra, according to Delaware Source. The grant was part of a two-year agreement, and Nocterra received $23,550 last year. The board also voided up to $25,000 approved for this year's legal costs.
When will Depot Street reconstruction start? Delaware Source reports that the Depot Street reconstruction, which includes new parking, lighting and sidewalks, was slated to start this fall but is delayed because asphalt must be poured while it is still warm. The report gives no new start date, so check with the City of Powell for current information.
If you are curious about Powell, or about how downtown changes feel from day to day, I am always happy to chat. Reach out any time, and let's talk about what you are looking for. No pressure.
This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. All real estate services are provided in compliance with Fair Housing laws, RESPA, TCPA, the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, and Ohio Real Estate Commission advertising regulations. Equal Housing Opportunity. Chrisi Hagan, Collins Lassiter Group, Red 1 Realty.
