Exploring the Arts in Paducah , KY – A UNESCO Creativity City – Part 4
What do you do with an old, vacant and run down Coca Cola bottling plant?
If it’s in Paducah, you turn it into a destination.
The Coca Cola bottling plant was founded in 1939 and was designed by Lester Daley of Metropolis IL. It remained in operation until 2005 and then remained vacant and fell into disrepair for over ten years until Ed and Megan Musselman purchased the plant and restored it. They had the original windows resealed, revived the 9,000 square feet of terrazzo tile, restored the neon dome and brought the building back to its 1939 Art Deco glory. The building was refitted for space for small businesses like and ice cream parlor, a coffee shop, yoga studio and others.
The anchor business for the revitalized space is a Mellow Mushroom restaurant specializing in gourmet pizza and a huge selection of craft beers. Mellow restaurants are known for incorporating local art into the decor, and this Paducah franchise is no exception with over 22 local artists leaving their creative mark on the walls.
On the other side of the building is Dry Ground Brewing Company, Paducah’s first craft brewery. Their beers have funky names and fun descriptions. From their menu, the Preacher Pils, a pilsner, smells like fresh poured Kentucky lemonade with hints of fresh cut cantaloupe. Uncle Luther, an extra special bitter, pours amber red with a full white head and smells like graham cracker and raspberry jam. 31 Flood, and American IPA, pours a vibrant golden orange with a stark white head and smells piney clementine, honey dew melon with hints of forest floor. To enjoy all their beers, you have to go onsite and get them fresh on tap.
It’s good to see that such a historic building was restored and its art deco details kept intact, while at the same time making it a modern, fun, and tasty destination.
Thanks for visiting,
Rose
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