After five years of waiting, demolition could be coming soon for Drewrys Brewery.

The Common Council approved $220,000 of local Build Indiana Grant money to begin redeveloping the former brewery.

The grant was awarded in 2001, but the city was waiting for the developer, Indianapolis-based City Center Associates, and the property owner to come to an agreement, said Andy Laurent, city economic development specialist.

Although a contract hasn't been signed yet, Laurent said the time is about right for the city to start its part of the process.

"It seems like they are reasonably close to working out a deal with the property owner," he said.

The money will be used to cover part of the cost for environmental cleanup to prepare for redevelopment. Laurent said the money will primarily be used for asbestos removal, and the city is looking into other state grants to support the cleanup.

City Center Associates plans to turn the site into a residential complex with townhouses, apartments and condominiums. Laurent said the development will not encroach on Muessel Grove Park. In the original development plan, some of the buildings in the historic brewery would be saved, he said, but that hasn't been finalized.

Laurent said public meetings will be in the near-northwest neighborhood to update neighbors on the project. The meeting date and time will be announced later.

The brewery originally was called Muessel Brewing Co. and became Drewrys Brewery in 1936, according to Tribune archives. It was later sold to G. Heilman Brewers Inc. and closed in 1972.

The building has been home to several small businesses. Laurent said the developer and property owners are in charge of relocation for those businesses.