Unseen work moves St. Nicholas Hotel renovation forward

What began as a simple inquiry about what this workman is doing on the front of the historic St. Nicholas Hotel turned into an update on the substantial unseen progress on the ongoing restoration of this Oak Street landmark.

A new electrical service and wiring as well as new plumbing have been installed. The concrete floor has been poured for the planned microbrewery. The sub-floor has been built for the planned restaurant.

Windows are being framed on the third floor. Tuck pointing the brick and removal of tar along the old ground floor roof line are being accomplished.

Earlier this year, the St. Nicholas Brewing Company was formed.

The development group of the St. Nicholas Brewing Company formed the operating company for the micco-brewery. President Theodore Wichmann announced that the group had begun the next phase of development of the property. Wichmann, from Cobden, is one of the original owners of Alto Vineyards and the previous owner of Owl Creek Vineyard in Cobden. In addition to Wichmann, board members are Karen Hand, winemaker at Blue Sky Vineyard; Gary Sullivan, who will supervise the final phase of construction and installation of brewery equipment; Du Quoin resident Patricia Gross and Abby Ancell. The group will open a restaurant on the premises at the time of the brewery opening.

The unique structure of the historic hotel has presented challenges for contractors involved in the renovation process. But the unique structure and the historical significance of the building will be of great interest to both residents of Du Quoin and visitors to the area. President Wichmann and the entire board believe that an innovative business housed in a beautiful, historic building will be an exciting addition to Du Quoin and the entire region.

The building is a work in progress with no announced completion date.