Historic Mills of Connecticut

Companies Associated w/Complex

• Empire Furniture c.1923
• Feigenspan Brewing Co. c.1923
• Malkin Warehouse c.1923
• Quinnipiac Brewing Company 1885

Use (Historic)

• Food, Beverage, Tobacco

Largest Documented Workforce

n/a

Historic Narrative

For historical significance see National Register application: https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/83001285_text; https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/83001285_photos Quinnipiac Brewing Co. began making beer and ale in the 1870s. Operations ceased after the Volstead Act [of 1919] and the buildings have served as warehouses ever since. (Roth) Following a decade of sitting vacant, the complex was rehabilitated as residential apartments.

Number of Existing Buildings

n/a

Dates of Construction

c.1880, c.1896

Architect

Leoni Robinson (1896 remodel)

Builder

n/a

Building Type

• Warehouse / Production Shed

Architectural Description

For description see National Register nomination: https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/83001285_text; https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/83001285_photos Little of the early (1870s) plant appears to survive. The present brewing building represents an 1896 remodeling of an early l880s structure. Brick, 5-story and 78' x 62', it stands at the south end of the complex; a large loading bay breaks the south wall. A 4-story brick wing and three brick ingredient storehouses stand behind the brewing building. At the north end of the complex is the 1-story brick boiler and engine house, and to the west a 3-story brick building that probably served in part as offices. (Roth)

Exterior Material(s)

• Brick

Structural System(s)

• Load Bearing Masonry

Roof Form

• Flat
• Mansard

Roof Material

n/a

Power Source

n/a

Condition

Good

Condition Notes

Rehabilitated as residential. Two-story "Gatehouse" building at southwest corner of complex at Ferry and River Streets demolished 12/2018.

Specific Location

Between Ferry and East Pearl Streets

Adjacent To

n/a

Exterior Visible from Public Road?

Yes

Parcel ID / Assessor Record Link

• 164/707/100 / Link →

Acreage

1.71

Use (Present)

• Other: 2024 rehab plan by Beacon Communities. 2025 partnership with Community Preservation Partners to purchase and rehab the 104 units, creating 84 affordable; average per unit cost of upgrades $112k including kitchens, bathrooms, windows, floors, security, also landscaping, walkways and reuse of gatehouse. Residents have been involved in plans.
• Residential

Form Completed By

n/a

Date

n/a

Bibliography

1. Roth, Matthew, et al, Connecticut: An Inventory of Historic Engineering and Industrial Sites (Washington DC: SIA, 1981).
2. Roth, Matthew and Bruce Clouette. 1983. Quinnipiac Brewery National Register Nomination No. 83001285. National Park Service.