MARTINSVILLE, Va. (Romero Report) — Renewal Brewing, a new craft brewery owned and operated by Herb Atwell and Karl Herzberg, opened its doors on June 6 at 32 Franklin Street, in the heart of Uptown Martinsville.

Initially, Renewal Brewing will operate Thursday through Sunday, featuring a speakeasy and brewhouse in the basement of the historic 1893 building, which was constructed with Carnegie steel.

A three-phase renovation celebrates Martinsville’s past, present, and future, a news release stated.

The downstairs speakeasy, named the “Uptown Underground,” is complete with an upright grand piano from the early 1900s.

Phase two will introduce a modern-day brewpub with food options, and phase three will create a rooftop space with views of Martinsville and the surrounding mountains, expected to be completed later this year.

The release said the brewing’s name reflects the owners’ hope to inject new energy into the uptown district and spur revitalization efforts.

“We see what Martinsville can be,” Atwell explained. “There’s potential here for everyone to thrive and grow. We hope that opening this brewery will inject new energy into Uptown and help spur on revitalization efforts. We want Martinsville to be a destination.”

The brewery features twelve unique craft beers on tap, all brewed on-site under Herzberg’s supervision.

Atwell and his wife, Peggy Donivan, plan a full schedule of live music, theme nights, and piano events.

The space will also be available for private event rentals.

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