ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — Two years after Pretoria Fields Brewing closed its downtown Albany location, city leaders are once again discussing the future of the vacant building as questions remain about what’s preventing new businesses from moving in.

City officials will meet Wednesday morning, Oct. 28, to discuss another potential plan for the former brewery at 120 Pine Ave. The discussion comes after previous efforts to secure a new operator fell through, leaving one of downtown Albany’s former entertainment destinations without a tenant.

PREVIOUS VIDEO: Albany back at square one as brewery operator withdraws from former Pretoria Fields building

How did Albany end up owning Pretoria Fields?

The city bought the former brewery property for $820,000 in December of 2025 following financial and legal issues involving its previous owners. The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) was assigned to manage the property.

However, finding a new operator has proven challenging.

In March, city commissioners approved a proposal allowing Socius Beer Collective to operate the brewery portion of the property alongside additional businesses, potentially including food and entertainment vendors.

But in June, Socius withdrew from the project, citing uncertainty about the building’s other tenants and how the overall development would operate.

City leaders have also raised concerns about the building’s large-scale brewing equipment and operating expenses, including utility bills approaching $7,000 per month.

Following the company’s withdrawal, City Manager Terrell Jacobs said officials planned to reopen the bidding process and seek consulting assistance to determine the best use for the property.

Timeline: What happened to Pretoria Fields Brewing?

• December of 2017: Pretoria Fields Collective opens its downtown Albany brewery, becoming one of the city’s major downtown attractions
• October of 2024: Pretoria Fields announces plans to leave its downtown location and return to its farmhouse brewery roots. The downtown taproom closed in early November.
• During 2025: Financial and legal issues complicate efforts to find a new operator. The city solicits proposals for the building, attracting interest from a brewery operator.
• December of 2025: Albany finalizes its $820,000 purchase of the property following foreclosure. Commissioners place the building under the management of the DDA.
• March 17, 2026: City staff recommends reconsidering a standalone brewery because of operating costs and equipment concerns. Officials discuss converting the property into a multi-use entertainment destination.
• March 24, 2026: City commissioners approve moving forward with Socius Beer Collective to operate the brewery portion of the property alongside other businesses.
• June 3, 2026: WALB reports that Socius withdrew from the project. City officials say they plan to reopen bidding and explore consulting assistance.

What’s next for the downtown brewery?

Wednesday’s meeting raises questions about whether the city will continue seeking a brewery operator, consider other commercial uses, or pursue a different strategy to attract private investment.

WALB will be at the meeting and will update this story.

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