Trustees to consider lease for brewpub in new student center at Thursday meeting

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—The Western Michigan University Board of Trustees will consider a lease agreement for the campus brewpub as well as other agenda items when it meets at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 4, in the Bernhard Center Ballroom. The meeting will also be available through livestream.

Portage Brewing Co., known as Latitude 42, is seeking approval to lease and operate the brewpub in the new student center when it opens in August 2022. The agreement proposes a five-year lease with an additional five-year option for a monthly rent of $2,500 or a percentage of gross sales, whichever is greater.

According to the proposal, the menu will include pub-style food and locally brewed beer and wine. Portage Brewing also plans to offer opportunities to showcase the work of students in Western’s sustainable brewing program as well as the School of Music and hospitality program.

Also on the agenda is a presentation from Dr. Jennifer Bott, provost and vice president for academic affairs, about the importance of faculty and student engagement in research. 

Other items for the board to consider include a revision to WMU’s nondiscrimination policy, the addition of a new major and three new minors, an easement request from the Kalamazoo County Road Commission and the external University audit.

Individuals who wish to address the board during public comment periods of the meeting must notify Dr. Kahler Schuemann by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 3.

For additional details, find the board’s full agenda online.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.

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