Great Marsh Brewing Co. had a vision of creating a state-of-the-art, 30,000 hectoliter brewery with a tap room, restaurant, and full bar—all on a 13,000-square-foot marsh that is subject to changing tides in scenic Essex, Mass. To realize this vision, Great Marsh drew on Connolly Brothers' 140 years of expertise in water-adjacent construction to get the job done right.

Connolly was selected as the design-build construction manager during the early stages of project conception. Connolly worked with the owner in site feasibility and early conceptual budget estimating, and then with Niemitz Design Group on schematic design, design development, and production of construction documents. Connolly worked with NDG to obtain town approvals and permits, and managed the complex construction process, which included a friction pile foundation system, structural steel frame, and the installation of brewery equipment.

The results speak for themselves: Great Marsh Brewing Co. is a structural achievement that tempts its clientele to spend an evening or afternoon sampling local beers and sharing plates of food—a welcoming environment that leaves one inclined to “have another."