MadTree Brewery Graphics

Repurposing one of Cincinnati’s leading paper mills within the site of urban redevelopment was not only a challenge but also a great opportunity for MadTree Brewing to make their new home. MadTree Brewing is one of the fastest growing craft breweries in Cincinnati and the need for more space was critical to their growth. The abandoned site was perfect for their brewing facility.

Once the demolition and planning of the site was complete, the beautiful raw steel ruins that remained became a visual cue we welcomed as design inspiration. Authenticity and natural materials were key to the design aesthetic. Reclaimed wood, concrete, quartz on the bar counters that resembled weathered steel and cor-ten were the materials used throughout the space.

Cor-ten steel was used for the MadTree logo at the taproom and beer garden entry on a raw wood frame knowing that as both materials weathered their patina would add depth to the signs. Backlighting the signs at night was critical as they created strong visual markers designating points of entry becoming iconic “photo ops”.  

Reclaimed steel gears from the plant are used as garden sculptures as well as salvaging an existing steel beam for the entry sign was a way of recognizing the industrial aesthetic of the paper mill. Playfully manipulating the Catch-a Fire logo, steel flames are used to mimic the heat at the wood burning pizza ovens. A hand painted mural indicating parking was commissioned evoking the advertising billboards on brick buildings of a bygone era.