Motor City Brewing Works Taproom to Close Temporarily Feb. 8

Motor City Brewing Works will shut down its taproom after Feb. 8. Why? The Detroit thermal steam system that has powered the spot since 1988 quit working. Owner John Linardos plans to reopen once he fixes infrastructure problems, and Ghettoblaster beer will keep brewing at another site.

The Canfield Street location has relied on the Detroit thermal steam grid since its construction by workers. LInardos and Ben Edwards built the brewery to take advantage of high-pressure steam for boiling beer and heating water. The heating system is over 100 years old and has broken down repeatedly over the past ten years.

"You know all the 'smoke' coming up out of the street, that's the Detroit thermal steam grid ... that's all the system breaking down. Those are leaky valves, broken unions. It's not good, it's showing its age," Linardos said, according to The Detroit News.

Most structures in the area have transitioned to newer systems. The brewery is the only remaining operation on its section of the grid.

Linardos has been discussing options with Detroit Thermal for over a year. Detroit Thermal considered installing a boiler, but both parties ultimately agreed that it would not be a viable solution.

"We're taking a pause because I think it's time for this building ... to start acting like a pub as opposed to a mini production facility," Linardos said, per The Detroit News. The small brewery has been a source of conflict between the bar side and the beer production side for years, he added.

The business has been operating for over 30 years in the Cass Corridor. The space has served as an art gallery, record label, music venue, and gathering place for pizza and beer.

The new partnership with Dragonmead Brewing will allow the brand to continue producing beer and to return Ghettoblaster to cans and store shelves. All wholesale beers were brewed at other production sites prior to this change.

The taproom will stay open Tuesday through Sunday through Feb. 8. Linardos may host art shows and music events during the period of closure.

The location is at 470 W. Canfield in Detroit.