WATERLOO, IOWA — The historic Wonder Bread building in Waterloo may get new life as a brewery thanks to the efforts of SingleSpeed Brewing Co. and the Friends of the Waterloo Wonder Bread Building.
The Cedar Falls, Iowa-based brewery on Aug. 21 unveiled plans to take over the former Wonder Bread building in Waterloo and use it to expand its production.
The Waterloo City Council purchased the building for $400,000 from Flowers Foods. Flowers acquired the facility as part of its 2012 acquisition of certain Hostess Brands assets.
SingleSpeed’s proposal is expected to go before the Waterloo City Council for a vote on Sept. 8.
The Waterloo Wonder Bread building was built in 1928, and local historians have worked to ensure at least part of the historical structure doesn’t get demolished. SingleSpeed’s plans call for the original signage to remain on the outside of the building.
Earlier this month, a Merita Bread bakery in Orlando that once was owned by the former Hostess Brands, Inc. was demolished. Like the Waterloo Wonder Bread building, the Merita bakery was closed in late 2012 as part of Hostess’ bankruptcy proceedings.
