Liberty Pole a step closer to developing second site

December 8, 2021

Rick Shrum
Observer-Reporter

Liberty Pole Spirits’ plans to expand operations appears to be a sure bet.

The Hough family, owners of the West Maiden Street distillery in downtown Washington, will develop a second location on a two-acre tract on Adios Drive. The project recently received a major boost – a $500,000 grant from the state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.

The second site will be a short distance from Hollywood Casino at the Meadows, Street at the Meadows and The Shoppes at Quail Acres in North Strabane Township. Three main structures will be erected there – a 2,400-square-foot tasting room; an 8,000-square-foot production facility; and a 4,000-square-foot barrel storage building.

There also will be space for outdoor seating and food truck parking.

That was one of four RACP grants announced Tuesday by state Sen. Camera Bartolotta, R-Carroll Township. The grants, totaling $2.5 million, are for projects in the 46th District, which she represents.

Expansion “is something we’ve been contemplating and planning for a couple of years,” said Jim Hough, who founded the Liberty Pole business in 2016 with his wife, Ellen. They and sons Rob and Kevin are the owners.