New ‘brewery, taproom and residence’ to open in Eagle. Yep, residence — and ‘soon.’

A local, long-promised Idaho brewery is moving forward again in downtown Eagle.

But you’ll need to stay patient, beer drinkers.

Site work has begun on Gem State Brewing Company at 293 E. State St. Vertical construction is slated to fire up this spring. “They say good things come to those who wait,” Gem State Brewing posted on its Facebook page. “Well, Eagle, we think you’ve waited long enough!”

In 2019, a sign in front of an empty building at 281 E. State St. indicated that Gem State Brewing would debut in spring 2020. That didn’t happen. Chris McGinnis and his wife, Kristl Caron, who own the property, saw their plans further delayed during the pandemic.

Now that Gem State is back in action, a new, updated sign advertises a “brewery, taproom and residence” that is “coming soon.”

“Soon,” however, is a bit subjective. “As of now, we are shooting for early 2023 as a completion/opening date,” McGinnis said in a Facebook message.

Gem State Brewing will be family- and dog-friendly, the sign says, will feature indoor and outdoor seating — and offer 15 taps with beer, wine and cider. In addition, Gem State Brewing plans to have event space available for rent.

A kitchen is not part of the plan, but customers will be welcome to bring in food from nearby restaurants.

As for the “residence” aspect of Gem State Brewing?

“Our new approved plan for the brewery includes a two-bedroom condo upstairs,” McGinnis explained.

This story was originally published March 14, 2022 at 2:16 PM.