The Leeds Tribune | May 9, 2019

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LEEDS TRIBUNE YOUR ONLY SOURCE FOR LEEDS NEWS www.LeedsTribune.com

May 9, 2019 | Volume 4, Issue 15

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$3M entertainment complex coming to Outlet Shops of Grand River Development to include brewery, restaurant, amphitheater BY CINDY FISHER Leeds Tribune Staff The drive-in theater at the Outlet Shops of Grand River is about to get grander. The co-founder of Avondale Brewery plans to build a $3 million entertainment complex with a brewery, beer garden, restaurant and amphitheater that will accompany the drive-in theater, minigolf course and upgraded playground. The Grand River Drive-In will open July 3 with a celebration, including fireworks and a food truck rally. The other elements will open in phases, with the Backyard Beer Garden and Neighbors Beer House brewery opening in the fall, according to spokeswoman Stacy Smith. The project is expected to bring 30 full-time jobs. The developer is Hunter Lake, who started Avondale Brewery with his brother in 2011. This project being built through his company Neighbors-Leeds LLC with business partner Mac Green. On Monday, the city of Leeds approved an incentive package with a sales tax abatement of 2 cents from funds generated through the new development for two years and 1.5 cents for another 13 years for costs associated with the developer’s plans to build more in the future, with a cap of $1.5 million in 15 years. Lake told the council Monday that his team is excited to get started with their grand plans. “It’s going to have games, trees, landscaping and a place to hang out,” Lake said. The current food area will be renovated into a Saw’s BBQ

Hunter Lake is building an entertainment complex at the Grand River Drive-In with a brewery, beer garden, amphitheater and more. Photo provided. with outside covered pavilion seating. The Backyard Beer Garden will include seasonal flowers, seating, pergolas and a fire pit. There will be a performance area for small-

er concerts and events up to 1,000 people. Games will be adjacent to the garden, with a 18-hole minigolf, corn hole, bocce ball, and other yard games.

Future plans include an amphitheater for outdoor events that can seat 6,000 and an observation deck to enjoy the Cahaba River and launch for canoeing and tubing.

Christine Strange, vice president of retail operations at the Outlet Shops of Grand River, told the Leeds City Council they like the developer’s “robust event schedule” that reaches 150 events a year.

“We’re pleased with the developer’s plans and believe it enhances and improves (the shopping center) so it will be enjoyable for all,” she said.

Leeds bustles with community events

Fourth grade teacher Sally Stunkel helps Hadleigh Riffenberg, 4, drop a coin into a cup immersed in water.

Singer Charity Bowden from the Voice entertained the crowd at Leeds’ first First Thursdays Street Fest.

SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM LEEDS SPRING ACTIVITIES ON PAGE 2

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The Leeds Tribune | May 9, 2019 by Mike Kurov - Issuu