Craft beer is causing a boom in the Chicago area.
A report from Seattle-based brokerage Colliers International shows that craft beers in the Chicago area accounts for 1.6 million square feet of commercial real estate, which is more than any other metro area in the U.S., as noted by Crain’s Chicago Business.
Why the Windy City? Access to water from Lake Michigan, scores of buildings, and daring palates have all been factors to Chicago’s success.
Philadelphia, Portland and San Diego were behind Chicago on the list.
Despite the boom of Chicago real estate around craft beer, Portland beat Chicago for most existing craft breweries. Chicago has 144, while Portland has 196, according to the report.
The report also shows that the craft beer industry is expanding.
“If recent trends play out, the future is bright for craft beer and the craft brewery market. In the markets we surveyed, there are more than 400 breweries in the planning stages,” said Pete Culliney, Global Director of Research for Colliers International.
