California Beer Behemoth Lagunitas Joining Ballard's Brewery Cluster

Look out, Ballard: California's big-and-getting-bigger Lagunitas Brewing Company is moving into the former home of Hilliard's Beer. Based in Petaluma, Calif., Lagunitas sold a 50% stake in its company to Heineken last year, but founder Tony Magee remains in charge of Lagunitas' U.S. operations, which include a second brewery in Chicago and massive plans for Los Angeles. Magee announced the move on Twitter:

...1550 49th St NW, Ballard District, Seattle WA, USofA....a very nice spot to renew/reopen a Taproom, BeerSanctuary & Small Brewery. :- )))

— LagunitasT (@lagunitasT) August 25, 2016

Back in June, beer geeks were shocked when Tukwila’s Odin Brewing Company announced plans to purchase Hilliard's Beer. At its Tukwila facility, Odin continues to produce Hilliard's beers; meanwhile, Hillard's Ballard space went up for sale as a turnkey operation.

This isn't Lagunitas' first time moving into a venue formerly occupied by a local brewery; the company is currently converting the former Southend Brewery and Smokehouse of Charleston, S.C. in a similar fashion.

Magee hopes to have Seattle's Lagunitas Taproom and Beer Sanctuary up and running by Christmas, according to Washington Beer Blog; Magee also told the blog, "Seattle's already got it, but we hope to add some energy to the scene" with a smaller, more maneuverable brewery. Will locals welcome this addition or see it as an intrusion? Lagunitas did not respond to requests for comment by press time.