Central Standard Craft Distillery has announced it will relocate and significantly expand its main distillery operations to the historic Harley-Davidson campus in Milwaukee’s Near West Side.
The move will see Central Standard acquire a 73,000-square-foot refurbished space to house full-scale production, a tasting room, public tours, private events, and additional job opportunities. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for late summer 2025, with public opening targeted for spring 2026.
20-Fold Production Growth Expected
The expanded facility is projected to increase Central Standard’s production capacity by 20 times, consolidating operations that were previously spread across three Milwaukee-area locations. The new space will include production, research and development, barrel aging, and bottling, all while highlighting Harley-Davidson’s historic legacy. “This expansion presents the perfect timing and opportunity for continued strategic growth,” said Evan Hughes, co-founder and CEO. “We’re well-positioned to exponentially grow our production capacity… and to engage with the Milwaukee community in new and exciting ways.”
Partnership Strengthens Milwaukee Roots
The collaboration with Harley-Davidson reflects both companies’ shared commitment to Milwaukee. “We started Central Standard Craft Distillery to be a part of Milwaukee and grow with it,” said Pat McQuillan, co-founder and president. “With this purchase, we’re excited to deepen our roots in the city we love.” Central Standard previously invested in historical buildings across the city, including its Downtown Milwaukee Crafthouse & Kitchen and its current Near West Side distillery.
Design Led by Trusted Architecture Firm HGA
The architectural firm HGA, which designed both the Crafthouse & Kitchen and Davidson Park, has been named architect of record for the new facility. HGA will also participate in selecting the broader construction team. The move further integrates Central Standard into the Juneau Avenue site, which continues to serve as Harley-Davidson’s global headquarters.
Revitalizing a Landmark Site
Harley-Davidson continues operations at the site and recently unveiled Davidson Park, a 4.8-acre public space designed as a community hub. “We could not be more proud to be investing in Juneau Avenue,” said Tori Termaat, Chief Human Resources Officer and President of the Harley-Davidson Foundation. “We’re excited to be welcoming Central Standard to the campus.” The partnership is part of broader revitalization efforts led by Harley-Davidson and supported by the City of Milwaukee and the Near West Side neighborhood.
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