A new development built completely from shipping containers opened Friday, giving a unique face to the growing brewery scene in Albuquerque.
The Green Jeans Farmery will offer a unique atmosphere and intends to focus on local business.
“It consists of small, local, quality-driven tenants with a unique look,” said Green Jeans Farmery developer Roy Solomon. “The location right there off of I-40 and Carlisle offers good visibility and personality in the shape. It has an individual identity.”
Solomon said he got the shipping container idea after seeing similar designs in California and Colorado. He said he wanted to bring a similar style to New Mexico, where that kind of architectural design is uncommon.
The development will offer multiple rooftop patios and a central firepit, and will consist entirely of local businesses. Solomon also has several containers that are dedicated to hydroponic farms, where he grows his own organic food that he plans to share with some the tenants.
Among the various businesses that will find residence in the Green Jeans Farmery will be Santa Fe Brewing Company, who Solomon recruited to be the development’s “anchor tenant.”
“The Green Jeans philosophy of repurposing and recycling those containers to build the project is right in line with Santa Fe Brewing’s philosophy of using renewable resources,” said Santa Fe Brewing Company President and Owner Brian Lock. “It was kind of the perfect fit.”
Lock believes that the location of the brewery’s new taproom, along with the company’s beer making experience and strong fan base, will have a lot to offer in Albuquerque’s ever-growing craft beer scene.
“We have a following for the brand already,” Lock said. “We’re going into Albuquerque, which is one of the stronger craft beer markets in the whole country, where I think we’ll be well represented.”
Some of the other Green Jeans tenants include Epiphany Espresso, Amore Neapolitan Pizzeria, Rustic on the Green (also known as the Rustic 505 food truck), Zeus’ Juice & Nutrition, Bocadillos, Rockin’ Taco, Chill’N Ice Cream, Distillery 365 and Fit Studio.
Alejandro Albarran, a senior political science major, said he thinks the Green Jeans Farmery will offer a fun and interesting environment for college-aged students.
“What’s really attractive about it is the open-space atmosphere,” Albarran said. “There’s nothing better than hanging out with friends in an open environment that has options.”
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Lock said the Santa Fe Brewing taproom should be open by the end of the month. However, Solomon said the rest of Green Jeans Farmery will not be completely up and running until October.
More information can be found about the Green Jeans Farmery project at www.greenjeansfarmery.com or on their official Facebook page.
Ryan Lotz is a freelancer reporter with the Daily Lbo. He can be contacted at news@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @Lotz_DailyLobo.
