Construction has started on a planned interior remodel of a restaurant and adjoining brewery at the site of the former Watts Automotive & Driveline Service garage along the 1300 block of west First Avenue downtown.

The restaurant—Watts 1903 Spirits & Eatery—will be operated by Brent Wise and Brandyn Blanchat, while Matt Goodwin and Jordan Tampien are developing Brick West Brewery next door, Wise says.

Watts Project LLC purchased the two adjacent buildings last year. Tampien and his brother, Joel Tampien, and another set of brothers, Matt Goodwin and Ryan Goodwin, own Watts Project. Matt Goodwin is a Spokane restaurateur.

“From our side, we anticipate being about another month out before we announce our menu line,” Wise says.

The restaurant will occupy more than 3,000 square feet of space, and the brewery will take more than 10,000 square feet. 

Both businesses are positioned to draw on a project under construction across the street, a seven-story, 51-unit apartment complex at 1309 W. First, next door to the Eldridge Building. The Tampiens are hopeful that the building’s urban design and location will attract young professionals.