Funkytown Brewery Receives $3.7 Million Grant for New Near West Side Craft Beer Facility
By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Near West Side ·
Funkytown Brewery is set to transform the Near West Side business landscape after receiving a $3.7 million grant to develop a $7.4 million craft beer brewery, distribution and retail facility at 1923-29 W. Lake Street. The grant was part of $33 million in funding announced by Mayor Brandon Johnson, supporting 58 neighborhood improvement projects selected from nearly 400 applicants.
Founded by childhood friends Rich Bloomfield, Zack Day, and Greg Williams, Funkytown plans to convert the property into the company's first stand-alone facility for brewing, distributing, and selling beer. The expansion will include an outdoor beer garden and aims to make craft beer more accessible to underserved communities. The company's growth represents a significant boost for the Near West Side through community investment, with the nonprofit Bear Down Community Investment Group also launching initiatives to strengthen local businesses across Chicago.
Near West Side residents can look forward to this exciting addition to the neighborhood, which will create new jobs and provide a community gathering space. To learn more about Funkytown Brewery's progress or their current offerings before the new facility opens, visit their website or follow their social media for upcoming events and community engagement opportunities.
Sources:
1. https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dcd/provdrs/ec_dev/news/2026/january/mayor-brandon-johnson-announces-33-million-grant-awards-community-development-projects.html
2. https://chicago.suntimes.com/real-estate/2026/01/30/chicago-business-leader-launches-bear-down-community-investment-group-to-spur-regional-economic-development