Dec. 17. Plans for a brewery and beer garden at the old Curtis Screw site near downtown Cornelius have grown into a larger mixed-use project with 398 apartments, 50 townhomes, retail and, of course, a brewery and beer garden.

The plans were presented at a virtual meeting of the town’s pre-development committee yesterday.

John Marrino, owner of Olde Mecklenburg Brewery in Charlotte, says the project would occupy approximately 24 acres on the northern end of Zion Avenue where Curtis Screw was located for many years.

He plans a new road to South Street in Davidson.

Residential component

The proposed complex includes apartments and homes.

“We know from past experience that residences need to be a part of the project to support the brewery and the other restaurants and businesses that will come along because of the brewery,” Marrino said.

Marrino’s South Charlotte operation is among the most successful breweries in Charlotte.

OMB rendering

The Cornelius development would include a large beer garden and a restaurant, as well as commercial buildings.

Phil Bechtold, vice president of Antiquity’s homeowners association, said they have been involved with the project from the inception.

“In each of our meetings, the overall feeling was that this would be a positive development. We did question the balance of commercial and residential units and we discussed several alternatives,” he said, explaining that he saw the final plan when it was unveiled at the pre development meeting.

Committee member Scott Higgins, an Antiquity resident, raised concerns about the density of the project. “Overall it is a very appealing concept but in my opinion too dense for this area,” he said.

Committee members expressed concern about traffic safety, and whether any consideration had been given to providing some affordable housing among the residential units.

“Everyone we’ve spoken with appreciates and understands that providing a main road through the project will help relieve the current traffic in Antiquity,” Marrino said.

The craft beer business is an economic development phenomenon in North Carolina.

“We look forward to being a part of this extension of downtown Cornelius and the Cain Center and working with the Town and the community to finalize our plans,” Marrino said.