Banging Gavel Brews, Tinley Park

2025 Landmarks Illinois Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Award for Adaptive Reuse

Tinley Park’s only National Register-listed property, the Karl Vogt Building, has been reimagined into Banging Gavel Brews, a production brewery, taproom and restaurant. The four-story, nearly 8,000-square-foot building was constructed circa 1865 and had many uses over its long history, including home to a hunting lodge, soda bottling plant, electrical contracting office and apartments. When Banging Gavel Brews acquired the Italianate-style building in 2017, it had been vacant for several years. With the help of architecture firm AltusWorks, the historic Karl Vogt Building was thoughtfully adapted for commercial use while preserving the structure’s original character. Banging Gavel opened its doors in 2023, giving patrons a unique experience: a place to meet, relax and enjoy one another in a space that connects past to present. It has also reactivated a part of Tinley Park’s historic downtown. Having an active and visible business in a walkable area enhances the town’s appeal to prospective residents, visitors and future investors, creating more opportunities for local economic activity. The project also retained the existing attic-level apartment in the building, preserving the privately occupied housing.

(Photo credit: Dirk Matthews)

Additional Information

The adaptive reuse project utilized the Federal Historic Tax Credit (FHTC) program, which required all work to align with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. AltusWorks coordinated closely with the Illinois State Historic Preservation Office and provided guidance to consultant team members to ensure this compliance. Preserving the building’s original, character-defining features was a central priority. Additional funding sources included Tax Increment Financing (TIF) through the Village of Tinley Park and a U.S. Small Business Administration loan.

(Photo credit: Dirk Matthews)

Project Principals

• Banging Gavel Brews, Owner
• AltusWorks, Architect and Historic Preservation Consultant

(Photo credit: Dirk Matthews)

Why is this place important to you?

Jim Richert, co-founder and president, Banging Gavel Brews

As a resident of Tinley Park for over 30 years, restoring and revitalizing the Vogt Building took on a special significance. It was my hope that we would be accomplishing a feat that the entire village would take pride in.

(Photo credit: Dirk Matthews)

How did saving this place impact people in your community?

Jim Richert, co-founder and president, Banging Gavel Brews

The impact has reached beyond just the Village of Tinley Park. Many guests come to the Vogt Building from other outside communities, which helps further promote the downtown district of Tinley Park.

(Photo credit: Dirk Matthews)