About this project

What is Brewstel?
Brewstel is a microbrewery-hostel with a green roof-top garden and brew/gardening supply store located in Elkins, WV. It is the dream of founder, Tim Powell who has a degree in Recreation Management and Tourism with a minor in Environmental Science from Davis and Elkins College in Elkins, WV. Tim has also studied brewing at Seibel Institute of Technology World Brewing Academy in Chicago, IL. He is working with a talented team who bring a variety of skills to the project including hospitality management, marketing, economics, environmental science and plant biology.

Elkins is a perfect setting for Brewstel because of its proximity to ski resorts, national forests, rivers and many other cultural attractions. In the heart of Elkins there are three theatres with live productions, dinning, and the scenic railroad that has day and night excursions. There is a variety of other entertainment options like the Augusta Fine Arts Program that attracts a wide variety of artists to Davis and Elkins College during the summer, Ramp Festival in the spring, and the famous Mountain State Forest Festival in October. Also just a few miles away are 919,000 acres of the Monongahela National Forest which is a hub for outdoor attractions such as backpacking, hiking, climbing, bike rides on/off road, motorcycle riding, caving, fishing, hunting, skiing, snowboarding, and open water adventures ranging from relaxing tube floats to Class V rapids. With all these activities there is plenty to do while staying at Brewstel.

Because thinking green is a vital part of Brewstel we are already recycling, using tankless water heaters, and using indoor motion sensor lights. Future plans include growing and locally selling produce, recycling rain water, providing compost drop off for locals and businesses, and donating used mash and grains to local farmers.

What we have accomplished so far!
The renovation of a three story historical building, purchased in May of 2011, is near completion with the second floor hostel ready for guests.

Brewstel’s hostel, which encompasses the second floor, has the comforts and conveniences of a hotel without the massive carbon footprint being left by hotels. The affordability and inviting atmosphere of the hostel is enhanced by its two uniquely themed communal bunk rooms, the Cabin and Caboose Rooms. Both rooms are built from reclaimed barn wood donated by a local farmer. Each room has six bunks, six lockers and a bathroom with two private shower stalls. Also available is a fully equipped kitchen adjacent to a comfortable common area for relaxing and planning excursions in the surrounding areas. Finally, an exclusive feature of Brewstel’s hostel is our roof top patio directly off the back of the second floor where guests may sit and enjoy the crisp clean West Virginia air.

How will your Brewstel pledge be used?

Your support will directly impact the creation of a business that has a long term vision, sustainable values, and a passionate product set. The goal of $5,000 will not cover all the costs but will provide the resources to Kickstart Brewstel! Support from your Kickstarter pledge will benefit all of the elements in our project which are all currently underway. Below is a complete outline of the elements we have completed and those which we plan to complete in 2012.

Hostel ~ $2,500

We will be using a portion of our Kickstarter pledges to fund $2,500 worth of  expenses for the hostel.  Currently all Brewstel hostel guests enjoy affordable lodging, guest transportation, lockers for personal storage, 24 hour security, Wi-Fi, access to guest computer and bed linens. Available upon request at an additional cost are: locks for the lockers, fleece blankets, pillows, towels, personal hygiene items and laundry service.

What the hostel still needs to enhance sustainable hospitality:

Facilities
• Seasonal Weatherization
• Alternative Energy
• Building Maintenance
• Photovoltaic Panels- (Solar Panels)
• Wind Mill Generators

Marketing/Merchandising
• Brochures
• Web Design
• Advertising
• Business Cards
• Apparel
• Bedding
• Locks

Roof Top Garden ~ $10,000

The roof-top garden will provide a central location for local gardeners to fine tune their skills in gardening workshops. The garden will also provide vegetables, spices, and herbs to sell locally and to be used in the brewery. By placing the garden on the roof, it will maximize the use of wasted space and do our part to reduce urban thermal pollution.


What is needed to complete the roof top garden by March 2012:

Facility upgrades, additions, and equipment
• Roof reinforcement
• 1200 sq ft Deck built on roof
• Greenhouse
• Water Reservoir Tanks and Pumps
• Hydroponic Vegetation Towers and Supplemental Equipment

Brewery ~ $20,000

Brewstel will hold workshops for beginner brewers to master brewers. Brewers will be able to use the facility or rent equipment to brew at their homes. The brewery will not only be for adults but for the whole family. It will be equipped so that brewers can make handcrafted microbrews or sodas because it will be based on an extreme homebrew style. Brewers will be able to make house, seasonal, and cask style brews as well as ginger ales, root-beers and endless types of sodas. All of these delicious liquids will be for sale on-premise only.

What is needed for completion of the brewery by August 2012?
• Fermenters
• Kettles & Burners
• Yeast Lab Equipment
• Walk -in-Fridge
• Pumps
• Wort Chillers
• Kegs and Growlers
• Racking equipment

Brewing and Gardening Supply ~ $10,000

Brewstel’s supply store will have equipment and supplies for all levels of brewers and gardeners. Samples of the products we plan to sell for brewing include: brewery equipment (kettles, fermenters, burners, and Wort chillers), malts, grains, flavorings and yeast. For the gardener we will sell vegetation lights, nutrients, tools, composting tools, soil, and pest control, ventilation, and greenhouse supplies.

What is needed for completion of the Brewing and Gardening Supply Store:

Store Front
• Renovations
• Product Shelving
• Display Cases
• Counters
• Cash Register
• Start-up Capital
• Security System

The opening of the supply store in December 2012 will follow the completion of the roof top garden and brewery.

Why should you make a pledge to Brewstel right now?

Help the Brewstel team put sustainability, travel and pleasure together while leaving the world a better place for future generations.

Don’t waste a second as this Kickstarter pledge drive only runs for a limited time.

Thank you for your time and contributions!

People we would like to thank:
Dave Windell, Duffy Hoffman, Abby, Sydney, Alex Sobel, Jim and Janet Powell, Buddy Young , Janet Soussan, Rachel Franks and Family, Clark Bowman, Andrew Schwartz, Kevin Kilgore, Matt Holand, Jane Corey, Roger Ware, Joe Isabella, JD, Troy, Cj Young, United Sound and Electronics, Trickett’s Hardware, 84 Lumber, Betty and Clyde Garrett, Ed, Marvine, Joel Turley, Ben Roberts, Paul Young, Jeremy and Sam Golston, Brian Powell, Brian Retterer, Heather Powell, Jane Corey,Lisa Armstrong, Mike and Hollie Burnside, and the City of Elkins, WV.