Watch Brewhouse: The Tennessee Brewery Story

Brewhouse: The Tennessee Brewery Story is a documentary film that was released in 2015. It explores the history of the Tennessee Brewery, which was once a prominent brewery in Memphis but had fallen into disuse and disrepair. The film tells the story of how a group of people came together to save the brewery and turn it into a thriving mixed-use development.

The film begins by delving into the history of the Tennessee Brewery, which was founded in the 19th century by a German immigrant named G.H. Herbers. At the time, Memphis had a large population of German immigrants, many of whom had experience brewing beer in their home country. Herbers was one of these immigrants, and he saw an opportunity to bring his brewing skills to the city. He founded the Tennessee Brewery in 1890, and it quickly became one of the most successful breweries in the region.

Over the years, the Tennessee Brewery grew and expanded, but it also faced its share of challenges. The brewery survived Prohibition by selling non-alcoholic beverages, but it struggled to adapt to changing tastes in the post-World War II era. Eventually, the brewery fell into disuse and was abandoned.

The film then introduces viewers to the group of people who came together to save the brewery. These individuals had a shared vision of turning the brewery into a mixed-use development that would include residential, commercial, and community spaces. The film follows their journey as they work to raise funds, develop a plan, and navigate the complex process of rehabilitating an old building.

One of the key themes of the film is the idea of preserving history and culture. The members of the group who are working to save the brewery see it as much more than just a building - they see it as a symbol of Memphis's rich cultural heritage. They believe that it's important to preserve buildings like the Tennessee Brewery in order to maintain a connection to the past and to ensure that future generations can appreciate and learn from that history.

Throughout the film, we see glimpses of the progress that the group is making. We see the building slowly being transformed from a decaying, abandoned structure into a vibrant new space. We see artists and entrepreneurs moving in, excited about the opportunities that the renovated building will offer. And we see community members coming together to celebrate the new space and the history that it represents.

Overall, Brewhouse: The Tennessee Brewery Story is a thoughtful and engaging documentary that tells the story of a group of people who were determined to save an important piece of Memphis's cultural heritage. The film is a celebration of the power of community and the importance of preserving history, and it offers a hopeful vision of what can be accomplished when people come together to work towards a shared goal. Whether you're a history buff, a fan of urban revitalization, or just someone who loves a good story, this film is definitely worth checking out.