Albany Brewery Seeks Second Chance Amid Urgent City Discussions
UPDATE: The owners of Pretoria Fields Collective are urgently seeking a second chance to revive their downtown Albany brewery, which closed in November 2024 due to a bank foreclosure. Owner Joe Harris “Tripp” Morgan III has proposed a 10-year lease for the facility on Pine Avenue, offering to pay $1,000 per month and an option to purchase the property and equipment for $1.2 million.
The brewery, once a bustling hotspot that attracted visitors to the downtown area, abruptly shut down when Southwest Georgia Farm Credit foreclosed on its debts. As city officials explore options for the facility, they are weighing Morgan’s proposal against a competing bid from Socius Beer Collective, which prefers to transport beer from other locations rather than brew onsite. This has raised concerns among city leaders about the future character of the local brewing scene.
Mayor Bo Dorough emphasized the importance of having a brewery that brews on-site, stating, “A major consideration should be whether the interested party is willing to brew on-site. That’s half of the operation.” He believes that given the brewery’s previous struggles—largely attributed to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic—Pretoria Fields deserves another chance.
Dorough is advocating for the city to seek more bids once the property is acquired, highlighting the brewery’s vital role in downtown revitalization. “It’s a central component of downtown revitalization,” he said. “There is a benefit to having something that is a local brand for your city.”
Pretoria Fields’ proposal includes brewing a minimum of 310 gallons of beer per month and keeping the taproom operational for at least four hours per day, five days a week—with extended hours on Saturdays. The plan also involves hosting weekly events and a monthly downtown market to draw in crowds.
Commissioner Dianna Brown supports the proposal, arguing that the closure was not due to bankruptcy but rather the unforeseen circumstances surrounding the pandemic. “I want to know more about it,” she said, urging the commission to focus on downtown development that could lead to the brewery’s success.
However, not all officials are on board. Commissioner Chad Warbington expressed hesitation about bringing Pretoria Fields back, citing outstanding back taxes and utility bills. “To start them up with the same entity, I don’t think the citizens would support that,” he said, suggesting a preference for a new operator.
As discussions continue, the fate of the brewery hangs in the balance. The next steps for city officials will be crucial in determining whether Pretoria Fields will get the opportunity to operate again or if another brewer will take the helm.
This developing situation has significant implications for Albany’s downtown economy and community identity. Stay tuned for updates as officials weigh their options and the future of this local landmark.
