Fort George Brewery has expanded from its original building by purchasing an adjacent building, an unused dealership and other surrounding property.

The Astoria brewery now owns its entire block, a purchase made possible with help from $1.65 million in Small Business Administration loans.

Subsequent phases include an open air beer garden for the sunnier months, new outdoor seating and a multi-level deck at the pub, artisan shops -- a glassblower, metalsmith and historic renovators -- on the second floor of the Lovell Building and eventually a barrel-aging room and event space on the second floor of the Fort George Building.

"We're looking to attract synergistic businesses to the block," said [Fort George partner Chris Nemlowill], "people that will integrate with our emphasis on the local and on Astoria history. We'll make it a one-block version of what the McMenamins have done with Edgefield."

Read the full story at OregonLive.com.