USA, OH: Scotty’s 22 Brew coming to Greenfield around spring of 2025

A visionary from Greenfield who has a background in microbiology and chemistry will bring brewing local beer to Washington Court House when he opens a brewery in the downtown area, Record Herald reported on November 20.

Scotty’s 22 Brew is set to become a reality around spring of 2025.

Scott Benner graduated from McClain High School and Miami University of Ohio, receiving a degree in medical technology. He worked for Lab Corp in Indiana for over 30 years and is now following his dream of brewing beer.

Benner is currently renovating a major portion of the first floor of the Marshall Building at the corner of Main and East streets, formerly owned by David Ogan, and formerly the historic Midland Grocery Co. from the pages of history in Fayette County.

Benner said it is a sturdy structure. *The building started as the Melvin Hotel in August of 1908, later became the Imperial Hotel which burned in a block fire on Dec. 30, 1911. Within a few days of the fire, the owners contracted for the reconstruction of the block. Within two to three years, the buildings that were destroyed were rebuilt bigger and better.*

Benner is refurbishing the two entry doors with new hardware, trying to keep the recent historical look. He has been taking layers of the walls apart to reveal the old historical originality. There were also several layers on the flooring, such as tiles – later covered with carpeting – which he is working to refurbish.

The old Midland Grocery sign was still on the wall after a layer of wall was removed and Benner kept it for later use. The original vault-safe room that was used by the grocery store had shelving still holding labels of names of local residents who shopped there in the early 1900s. Slabs of old marble were found in the safe and the door was locked shut for many years. Benner was able to cut away a sliver of the metal near the locking mechanism to open the safe, which will be repaired and restored.

Benner’s plans for the space includes two bars, one short for handicap access, and one of normal height where customers can order their beer and food. These bars will be built and for frontage, use some original oak panel doors which were found in the vault-safe, originally saved from the old orphanage on State Route 38 near the airport, and stored in the building.

The building is within the DORA district (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) and will be a destination location to view the actual brewing process, and sit and have a beer. Benner said he hopes to later brew hard cider. He said “it is a unique structure, a great location and he wants to invest in this beautiful building.”

Benner has a barn-wood trellis where he plans to install lighting to make an atmosphere for socializing. There will also be a separate event room for up to 15 people to hold a small gathering or celebration. He also plans to add a handicap ramp at the double entry door from the sidewalk to cover the few stairs to the main level. The steps were part of the original building, with the north side of the entry wall now covering former access to the upper floor area of the old building.

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