Courier Post Article: Kings Road Brewing plans expansion to Community House of Moorestown

MOORESTOWN - An ambitious project here could give new meaning to the phrase "everyone into the pool."

Under the proposal, Kings Road Brewing Co. of Haddonfield in 2026 would open this town's first microbrewery — in a long-vacant swimming pool at the Community House of Moorestown.

In addition, students from Rowan College of Burlington County will study brewery sciences in classrooms created near the pool area.

The project is expected to tap the benefits that microbreweries bring to downtown areas, said Burlington County Commissioner Daniel O'Connell.

“They create jobs, generate economic activity and become fun and attractive gathering spots for friends and families,” he said.

“I am confident this can be another amazing asset for Main Street," added Moorestown Mayor Nicole Gillespie.

Moorestown microbrewery could have big price tag

The project will require an investment in building improvements of about $1 million for the nonprofit. It has launched an online fundraising drive to reach that goal.

Kings Road Brewing expects to spend "north of $1 million" for its venture, said Bob Hochgertel, the firm's co-owner.

Kings Road has occupied a spot in Haddonfield's business district for almost five years.

"We've been wanting to come to Moorestown," said Hochgertel, noting similarities between the two communities.

Moorestown's council in 2021 approved a measure that permits microbreweries in the once-dry town.

The four-lane pool dates to the center's construction in 2016.

It closed about five or six years ago, after once-abundant swimmers turned to larger, more modern pools elsewhere, said Hendrickson.

The pool room occupies about 5,000 square feet in the basement of the community center. About 4,000 square feet of adjacent space will be used for classrooms, said Hendrickson.

Among other changes, a partition the length of the pool will be leveled with the shallow end of 3½ feet, said Hochgertel.

Tanks and equipment used to make beer will line each side of the pool. A railing will separate the production site from a raised area for customer seating.

Access to the microbrewery will be made through the rear of the community center.

The RCBC program, to offer hands-on experience at the brewery, is intended to prepare students to work in the craft beer industry, said Michael Cioce, the school's president.

Classwork for a certificate program could start this fall on the school's Mount Laurel campus, with an courses for an associate's degree available one year later.

RCBC received a state grant of $255,000 to obtain equipment for its brewery program.

Bob Hochgertel, co-owner and managing director of King’s Road Brewing Company, said he looks forward to seeing a community hub develop in Moorestown like it did in the brewery’s original location.

Visit www.CommunityHouseBrewery.com to learn more about the Community House plans.