West Side visitor center seeking local brewers to run taproom

Brewers looking for a new spot on historic Route 66 can apply to be the taproom operator for the upcoming West Central Route 66 Visitor Center on Nine Mile Hill.

The West Central Community Development Group is asking interested brewers to submit letters of interest and general concepts for the taproom and banquet hall, the organization’s website said.

WCCDG is the operator on the Bernalillo County project. The county acquired the property for the center in 2016, and city and state government funds are supporting the project as well.

Since the purchase, plans and the budget for the center have changed several times with the current estimated cost coming in at $12 million.

At 4,500 square feet, the taproom will take up more than a fifth of the 21,000-square-foot center. That will include a 917-square-foot outdoor patio.

A groundbreaking for the center is planned for this December and the center should be operational by January 2022, said Luis Hernandez Jr., the development group’s executive director.

According to the WCCDG, the taproom is expected to be a major draw for both locals and tourists.

The center at 12200 Central SW will feature a banquet hall, outdoor amphitheater, museum, gift shop and administrative offices, according to the WCCDG.

Applications for the project are due by Oct. 15. To apply or learn more, visit www.wccdg.org/ copy-of-banquet-room-rfi-details.