Ex Novo, a brewing company located in Corrales, is planning an expansion to downtown Albuquerque which will be partially funded by the city of Albuquerque’s Storefront Activation Grant program.

Ex Novo was started in Portland, Oregon, and expanded to Corrales in 2019. Ex Novo will get $75,000 from the Storefront Activation Grant program. The brewing company will use that money to overhaul an old body shop at Seventh and Central into their new location.

“I grew up in New Mexico and always hoped to be able to come back,” said Joel Gregory, Ex Novo Brewing founder. “I love the history, the story and the character of this building and am 100% committed to seeing downtown thrive. This is such a cool property, and after two years of dreaming and planning, it’s finally coming to fruition.”

Ex Novo was recently named as the official beer of the 2023 New Mexico State Fair.

“We’re investing in the success of downtown because we believe in the potential it has to be an anchor of opportunity and fun for Albuquerque families,” Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said in a release. “We’re so happy to see a local success story like this one writing its next chapter downtown with the help of this transformative city program.”

Ex Novo plans to renovate the 11,629 square feet of commercial space in downtown Albuquerque. The downtown location will include a full-service taproom and restaurant and will convert the existing front parking lot into a large patio, complete with a beer garden, café and bar.

The downtown location aims to be open and operating next summer.

Ex Novo will begin hiring for all positions and plans to employ approximately 40 people.

“This location will be bigger than our two Oregon locations and Corrales combined,” Gregory said. “Our industry is booming in New Mexico, and I can’t wait for Albuquerque to experience what we are planning.”