Stoic Distilling will add to entertainment area on south side of downtown South Bend

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  Media and Entertainment on Thu, Oct 23rd, 2025 by South Bend Tribune

From Engine Parts to Spirits

The Auto‑Service Garage, a National Register of Historic Places listing, had been vacant for over a decade before Keller’s proposal received a conditional approval from the South Bend Planning Department. Keller, who has spent the past fifteen years building a reputation for craft beer in the Midwest, explained that the distillery will produce a range of small‑batch spirits including rye whiskey, gin, and single‑malt bourbon. “We want to build a brand that reflects the heritage of this city,” Keller said, noting that the building’s original brick façade and exposed timber beams will be preserved to give the distillery an authentic, industrial aesthetic.

The distillery will occupy the former service bay and storage areas, while a tasting room will be added to the front of the building on Main Street. Keller emphasized that the design will prioritize sustainability, incorporating rainwater harvesting, solar panels, and a waste‑reduction program for the distillation process. He said the facility will create ten full‑time jobs and several part‑time positions in marketing, tours, and retail.

Community Impact and Economic Development

City officials welcomed the project as part of a broader downtown development plan. South Bend Mayor Linda O’Neil highlighted that the distillery will attract both local residents and tourists, increasing foot traffic for nearby restaurants, cafés, and boutiques. The project is expected to generate $1.5 million in annual sales, according to a preliminary economic impact study conducted by the South Bend Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber also noted that the distillery’s supply chain will source ingredients from local farms. Keller confirmed that the grain base will come from a cooperative of Indiana corn farmers, while the botanicals for gin will be harvested from a small vineyard across the state line in Michigan. By supporting local agriculture, the distillery hopes to create a ripple effect, encouraging other craft producers to set up shop in the area.

Historical Significance and Preservation Efforts

The Auto‑Service Garage has long been a landmark in the downtown core. Built in 1932 by automotive entrepreneur Frank “Frankie” Murphy, it served as the city’s primary car repair shop for nearly twenty years. After the Great Depression and the post‑war automotive boom, the building was repurposed as a general store and later as a community gathering space. Its architectural features—including the large skylight that once illuminated the garage, the original wooden hood for the gas pump, and the brickwork with ornamental cornices—were all preserved in the latest renovation plans.

Preservationists applauded Keller’s approach to restoration. “It’s rare to see a commercial project that respects the historic fabric of a building while giving it new life,” said Maria Sanchez, director of the Indiana Historic Preservation Alliance. The restoration plan has received a Heritage Conservation Award from the Alliance, a testament to the careful balance between preservation and modernization.

A Distillery with a Mission

Beyond its commercial goals, Keller envisions the distillery as a community hub. In his speech, he mentioned a partnership with the South Bend Public Library, which will host quarterly “Distillery and History” nights, featuring tastings and talks about the distillation process and the building’s past. The distillery will also collaborate with local schools to offer educational tours and internship opportunities for students interested in the food and beverage industry.

Keller also expressed a commitment to responsible alcohol production. The distillery will adhere to the Indiana Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control’s strict regulations, and Keller plans to implement a zero‑tolerance policy for underage alcohol distribution. He highlighted the distillery’s intention to host community events, such as a “Spirit of South Bend” fundraiser, to support local charities and social programs.

Timeline and Next Steps

The project’s conditional approval allows for an expected start of construction in early 2026, with a projected opening in late 2027. The distillery will need to secure several permits, including a distillery license from the Indiana Alcoholic Beverage Commission and a zoning amendment from the South Bend Planning Department. Keller’s team is working closely with the city’s permitting office to ensure compliance with all regulations, from environmental impact assessments to fire safety codes.

A community advisory board, composed of local business owners, residents, and city officials, will review the distillery’s progress and provide feedback. Keller said that public input will shape the final layout of the tasting room and the outdoor patio, which will feature native Indiana plants and a small amphitheater for live music events.

The Future of Downtown South Bend

The distillery’s relocation into the Auto‑Service Garage signals a broader vision for South Bend’s downtown: an ecosystem where historic preservation, local entrepreneurship, and community engagement intersect. By breathing new life into an iconic building, Keller’s distillery will not only produce award‑winning spirits but also serve as a catalyst for economic revitalization and cultural enrichment. As the city looks toward the future, the distillery stands as a testament to the power of adaptive reuse, sustainable business practices, and community‑driven development.