Minneapolis-based Modist Brewing Co. on Wednesday announced the started of a $2 million renovation project of its North Loop headquarters and taproom.

Designed by Perkins & Will, the renovations call for creating a new two-story event space in Modist’s existing 7,000-square-foot building. The brewer also aims to add more offices for staff and a new brewing lab, according to a Wednesday news release. Minneapolis-based construction firm Kraus-Anderson is leading the renovation plans.

Opened in 2016, Modist is among a host of new businesses betting big on the future of the North Loop. That group also includes investment bank Piper Sandler, which is moving its headquarters from the central business district to the North Loop.

Modist is also betting big on the future of in-person gatherings. “Group gatherings of all kinds are back,” said Modist owner Daniel Paul Willendorf in the release. The brewery’s renovated home will include more space for events like weddings, corporate gatherings, and more. Modist’s new event space will provide views into the existing taproom through full-height glass spanning the length of the space, and it will include a “pre-function bar and waiting area.”

Kraus-Anderson worked with Modist for over a year to plan and perfect the new design. Kraus-Anderson is also partnering on the new plans with J. Benson Construction, a BIPOC-owned firm.

The North Loop neighborhood was among the areas of downtown that have seen significant population growth over the last decade. Between 2010 and 2021, the North Loop recorded a 79% uptick in population, versus just about 18% growth in central business district. Despite often-dismal headlines about the state of downtown Minneapolis, the area as a whole is still growing in population. In 2022, downtown recorded a 1.2% increase in residents.

Construction for the renovated brew house is expected to be completed in mid-July of 2023.