Sanford Brewing Company is located on the western boundary of the historic Georgetown community. Like the city of Sanford, the Georgetown community was established by Henry S. Sanford in the 1870s. It became home for the many African-Americans seeking opportunities in the new city.While the 400-402 Sanford Avenue property has a recorded past dating back to 1911, we are unclear as to exactly when our building was constructed.
400 S. Sanford Avenue, Sanford Florida as it was in 1930 as Gatchel’s Cash Grocer
The building when we purchased it in 2015.
However, a 1941 newspaper clipping reporting the 11th anniversary celebration of Gatchel’s Cash Grocery includes a photo of our familiar stucco and brick building. So we have every reason to believe that our building was here in 1930.
And now,undergoing renovations.
American Craftsman Design Elements
In recognition of the era in which our building was constructed, we have introduced design elements of the American Craftsman, or Mission, style in the Sanford Brewing Company taproom. In contrast to the formal and highly ornamental designs of the Victorian era that preceded it, the American Craftsman style showcased the beauty of natural materials, the tasteful simplicity of clean lines, and the skills of the woodworker.
Our bar, in particular, is a celebration of the American Craftsman style. Designed and built over a three-week period by local woodworker Michael Nall of Park and Seventh, the bar top is made of red oak reclaimed from a circa 1800 Virginia barn.
