Griffin Properties Soon to Begin Construction of Bricktown Brewery

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ADELAIDE HALL / BRICKTOWN BREWERY
CONSTRUCTION TO COMMENCE VERY SOON
300 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72901
Circa 1870, at the corner of Garrison Avenue and South 4th Street, ground was broken for a 3-story building. The developer, who was also a lawyer, politician and 1-term governor, William Meade Fishback (1831-1903) named the building’s 2nd floor after his wife, Adelaide Miller Fishback, the mother of their 6-children. Adelaide Hall quickly became the scene of grand balls, beautiful dinner parties, wedding receptions, public meetings, and fiery political gatherings.
In 1885 the original 3-story building burned to the ground. Governor Fishback, who remained a widower for the rest of his life, constructed a replacement 2-story building in the same style, again named Adelaide Hall to honor his wife who had died 3-years earlier.
In 1995 Adelaide Hall, then in disrepair, was purchased and restored by Richard and Jaunice Griffin. The remodeled building was initially occupied by Varsity Grill, and then by Bricktown Brewery. On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, Adelaide Hall / Bricktown Brewery burned yet again and the building was destroyed.
It has been a very long time since a new and significant building was constructed on Garrison Avenue! We are pleased to announce that we will build a new 2-story building on the site to substantially resemble the previous structure. The downstairs will be a Bricktown Brewery restaurant and bar, and the upstairs will (once again) be an event space named Adelaid Hall!
The owners of Bricktown Brewery love Fort Smith and this downtown location; and are anxious to reopen their business. Working together, we will do our best to recapture and build upon the rich history that exists at this site; and give Fort Smith back a really GREAT restaurant containing a GREAT entertainment venue!
Griffin Properties of Fort Smith, LLC is the developer of this exciting downtown project! It is a substantial effort; and further affirms our commitment to downtown Fort Smith. The architect for the project is Chasen B. Garrett Architects, PLLC. Construction will be performed by Griffin Construction Company who will commence work during December 2025. Construction will last about a year or so.
Griffin and the owners of Bricktown Brewery would like to say thanks to the City of Fort Smith administrative staff and the Fort Smith Fire Department staff, who have been very supportive while we dealt with the building fire, demolition, and development of the replacement building project. A special “Thank You” to all of you!
Upon completion of this project, it is our hope that Fort Smith is proud of our effort;
and hopefully in 140-years or so… people again think the building historic and are asking how it came to be!
ABOUT BRICKTOWN BREWERY & RESTAURANTS
Bricktown Brewery was Oklahoma’s first brewpub and first restaurant to brew craft beer. The company opened its first restaurant in 1992 and currently operates 21 restaurants in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Texas. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay up-to-date with all of our news. For more information, visit www.bricktownbrewery.com
ABOUT GRIFFIN PROPERTIES OF FORT SMITH, LLC
Griffin Properties of Fort Smith, LLC, a Fort Smith based real estate development company, is dedicated to the preservation of downtown Fort Smith. Here and elsewhere, we also develop retail, warehouse, and multi-family. For more information, visit www.gpfsm.com