3CDC Identifies New Tenant for Historic, Renovated Church

Mellotone Beer Project Signs Lease for Race Street Space

 CINCINNATI (August 19, 2024) – Dennis Kramer-Wine, former Rhinegeist Brewery Director of Culture and founding Director of Distribution, and Alexandra Nowell, a career brewer and founding brewmaster at Los Angeles brewery Three Weavers, recently signed a lease for the historic, renovated church at 1429 Race Street in Over-the-Rhine (OTR). The unique 12,345-square-foot, three-story space owned by Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC) was renovated in 2015 and formerly housed Taft’s Ale House. The new tenants plan to launch Mellotone Beer Project in mid-October.

Mellotone, named after a Duke Ellington album, will be a brewpub with an elevated, approachable menu featuring in-season, locally sourced ingredients. The brewery concept began when Nowell relocated to Cincinnati in 2022 to be closer to family. She and Kramer-Wine, friends for nearly a decade, shared a similar vision for a brewery in Cincinnati.

“Both personally and professionally, we were a great match – very complementary of one another,” Nowell said. “When we realized that the Race Street space was an option for Mellotone, we knew it was meant to be.”

“We decided over two years ago to go down this path together, carefully considering many locations to build our vision of Mellotone,” Kramer-Wine said. “When we learned that 1429 Race Street was available, we were on a call with 3CDC the very next day, and we’re thrilled with the partnership, location, and amazing space that we found.”

Mellotone’s scratch kitchen will focus on modern American fare to pair with fresh and uncomplicated beers. To accomplish this, Nowell and Kramer-Wine have partnered with Brendan Martin, formerly of Boca Restaurant Group. Martin, as Director of Food and Hospitality, will lead the restaurant’s operations.

Working with general contractor Dominic Sansalone and INDIO Design, the owner/operator duo designed a complete overhaul of the property, with upgrades to nearly every surface and finish throughout to match their vision. The lower-level space will be a neighborhood bar called ‘Undertone,’ with a midcentury modern feel complete with a small stage for live music. Mellotone’s main floor will house their restaurant, with a ‘golden hour-like’ glow and views of the brewery spaces. The mezzanine level is being converted into an indoor beer garden, outfitted with communal seating, abundant greenery, and spaces to catch a game of pool or darts.

“The 3CDC team is thrilled to see Alex and Dennis revive this historic structure, bringing it back to life with a brand-new concept,” said Lindzie Gunnels, Director of Commercial Leasing with 3CDC. “With only a select few breweries in OTR, this is exciting news for neighborhood residents, visitors, office workers, and event goers alike.”

Mellotone is slated to open this fall in time to celebrate BLINK, when they will feature Arcade of Light, an interactive installation by Cincinnati artists Kemper Sauce Studios. The brewery’s grand opening is planned for November, with details to be shared when they are finalized.

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