Downtown Northfield has a new energy on Fifth Street West — and NCC Builders is proud to have helped bring it to life.
Loon Liquor Co.’s new 7,000-square-foot distillery, cocktail room, and pizzeria isn’t just an expansion. It’s the full renovation of a historic downtown building, thoughtfully restored and transformed into a vibrant, grain-to-glass destination just steps from Division Street.
For NCC Builders, this project was about more than construction. It was about honoring history, meeting a tight timeline, and delivering a space that reflects the heart of the Northfield community.
Restoring a Historic Downtown Landmark
Located in the former Northfield News building, the structure carries decades of local history. Preserving that character while modernizing it for a working distillery and restaurant required precision, planning, and craftsmanship.
Historic renovations demand a careful balance:
- Maintaining architectural integrity
- Upgrading infrastructure to meet modern code and production needs
- Preserving original materials wherever possible
- Blending old and new seamlessly
Our team approached this project with respect for the building’s past and a clear vision for its future.
Built on a Tight Timeline
With a goal to open before Northfield’s Defeat of Jesse James Days celebration, the construction schedule left little room for delay.
From structural upgrades to mechanical systems and specialty installations for the distillery and kitchen, every phase required coordination and accountability. Because NCC Builders employs a dedicated, full-time team — rather than relying on rotating subcontract crews — we’re able to maintain tighter control over schedules and quality.
The result: a complex, multi-use renovation delivered efficiently and ready to welcome the community.
Repurposing with Purpose
In keeping with Loon Liquor Co.’s grain-to-glass philosophy and deep local roots, this project emphasized thoughtful repurposing of materials.
Wherever possible, existing elements of the historic building were preserved and reimagined. Salvaged materials were integrated into the finished space, maintaining the authenticity of the structure while reducing waste and honoring its story.
Even the custom epoxy bar top — embedded with real soil and wheat from local farmers — reflects a shared commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability.
At NCC Builders, we believe great construction doesn’t just create something new. It builds on what’s already there.
A Space Designed for Craft and Community
The completed renovation now houses:
- A fully operational distillery with expanded production capabilities
- A 100-seat cocktail room
- A commercial kitchen and pizzeria featuring locally sourced ingredients
- On-site milling to process local grain
More than 90% of the pizza ingredients by weight come from within 10 miles of the distillery — an approach that mirrors NCC Builders’ own commitment to supporting the local economy.
Loon Liquor Co. has more than doubled its staff with this expansion, creating jobs and drawing new energy into downtown Northfield.
Community-Focused Construction
As a locally owned company, NCC Builders understands what projects like this mean to a town like Northfield. This renovation wasn’t just about square footage — it was about strengthening a downtown corridor, supporting local agriculture, and creating a gathering space where neighbors can connect.
Historic renovations come with challenges. Tight deadlines add pressure. But when craftsmanship, communication, and community alignment come together, the result is something special.
We’re proud to have partnered with Loon Liquor Co. to help transform a historic building into a modern destination — delivered with care, coordination, and attention to detail.
Whether it’s a historic renovation, commercial build-out, or custom project with complex requirements, NCC Builders has the experience and full-time team to deliver on time, on budget, and built to last.
If you’re ready to reimagine a space in your community, we’re ready to get to work.