The 600 tenants living in the new Landmark student high-rise on South University Avenue won’t have to travel far to get their craft beer fix.
World of Beer, a craft beer bar franchise and live music venue, signed a lease this month to become the fourth tenant on the first-floor of the 14-story high rise, according to JJ Smith, executive vice president of development and construction for Campus Acquisitions. Campus Acquisitions sold Landmark to Texas-based American Campus Communities in a deal that closed last month.
Founded in 2007, Florida-based World of Beer has 32 locations and eight pending openings, according to its website. There are no locations in Michigan.
The bar’s goal: to bring craft beer to the masses.
“It is important that a broad spectrum of patrons, from the beer aficionado to the casual beer fan, can enjoy the best beers on the planet and increase their beer knowledge in a comfortable and upbeat setting,” the website says.
The four retail tenants on the first-floor of Landmark are 7-Eleven, No Thai!, Tim Hortons and World of Beer.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
World of Beer bars have more than 500 domestic and imported beers in stock, including roughly 40 beers on tap. The selections rotate seasonally.
Live music and sports also are big priorities.
“We are passionate about music, whether it is music we play over the sound system, or the live acts we bring in for our guests’ enjoyment,” the website says.
“With numerous high definition TVs, we have all the major sports packages ready to play on game day,” it continues.
A World of Beer franchisee signed a lease for the 3,200-square-foot space on the corner of the high-rise, located on the southeast corner of the South University and South Forest intersection. Smith said the bar will open in early spring. It will also have outdoor seating.
The deal marks the final retail lease for the first-floor of Landmark, which was listed for lease with Ann Arbor’s Colliers International for an annual $45 per square foot. The tenant lineup in the building: 7-Eleven, Tim Hortons, No Thai! and World of Beer.
Smith told AnnArbor.com in July that this specific tenant mix was chosen for the “amenity” it brings to Landmark residents.
Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2584 or email her at lizzyalfs@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.