Iowa Brewing Company

New Microbrewery | Cedar Rapids, IA

In 2016, our team provided mechanical and electrical design for a new brewery in Downtown Cedar Rapids. The start-up microbrewery had big ideas for full craft beer production, fermentation, grain milling, cold storage, public tasting and product development. 

The 12,600 square foot brewery has taken root in it’s renovated industrial warehouse. Not only does the space produce, distribute and sell craft beer, it also hosts a number of indoor and outdoor events, concerts and social functions. The focus, of course, is always what’s in the production barrels, but by designing an inviting taproom and outdoor space, Aspect, Inc. helped IBC make the brewery a true gathering space.

The fermentation process is supported with a low pressure 15 psig steam boiler with stainless steel tank jackets and heat exchangers at the hot liquor tank, mash tun lauter tun tank, and the brew house general kettle tank. A low-temperature chiller provides 28 degree glycol/chilled water solution to cool the general fermentation tanks, brite tank and the cold liquor tank. A granular activated carbon (GAC) filtered water system serves the water make-up for the brewing process.

Space conditioning and moisture control is provided by a 30-ton dehumidification rooftop unit, which provides air-conditioning, natural gas heat, economizer exhaust, and dehumidification for the entire space.

A trench drainage system serves the brewery tanks draining, clean-in-place operation, and wash down activities including a keg washer.