2022 Landmarks Illinois Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Award for Adaptive Reuse
The Lock & Mule, operated by the Tangled Roots Brewing Company, is located in Lockport’s downtown historic district inside the former Mackin Motor Co. Ford dealership dating from 1927. Owners Inga Carus and Peter Limberger renovated the existing vacant building, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and adapted it as a 7,000-square-foot modern craft brewery and restaurant highlighting the building’s historic architectural elements. Hints of the building’s automotive past are scattered throughout the building, like the large retractable glass garage doors where the dealership’s garage doors once were and an open concept dining area that originally served as the Mackin auto showroom. Design details, murals created by local artists and even the name of the Lock & Mule highlight’s Lockport’s role as the site of Lock 1 on the I&M Canal.
The City of Lockport, which is leading an effort to revitalize the downtown commercial district, contributed funding for the project to support environmental work, façade improvements, fire suppression and utility connections and permits.
(Photo credit: Lock & Mule)