Code hosts PAL for happy hour — Preservation Association of Lincoln

PAL members and Lincolnites bound by a common interest in both architecture and ale gathered at Code Beer Co. on Thursday August 26th for our first (and maybe last) happy hour of 2021. The event almost didn’t occur due to fresh Covid masking restrictions the day prior. Because of the short notice and our relatively small numbers, we decided to proceed with the event, masks on. Co-owner and brewmaster, Matt Gohring, inspired us with his tale of entrepreneurship; including location selection, building renovations and a love of brewing that unexpectedly turned into a career.

The evening began with opening remarks from PAL board member, Ryan Reed, who treated us to a complete history of the building and surrounding area. At the start of the 20th century, the area began to grow commercially with the creation of the Detroit Lincoln Denver highway, part of the transcontinental highway that ran right down O street. In 1922, the building that now holds stainless steel tanks & barley, was lined with autos & auto mechanics. The Cadillac Inn, owned by Charles Griffith, was one of many new businesses in the area that catered to the customers that the highway brought in. Operated by (and later owned by) Gunther V. Keller, the building continued to operate as a garage into the 1960s.

Today, the building occupied by Code at 200 S Antelope Valley Parkway, is already a fixture of the telegraph district. With lots of new development, this area is primed for another customer boom. Matt, the brewmaster, just hopes they’re thirsty.