Mastering Morgan

New concepts serve as connector to Downtown from Hillsborough Street.

Turns out the dust hasn’t settled on West Morgan. Now, all kinds of buzzy concepts are breathing new life into that quarter-mile “bend” of road. 

Kicked off by the demolition of Goodnights and the announcement of 865 Morgan, the corridor is quietly growing into a destination in its own right—not to mention a burgeoning connector between the Warehouse District and the Hillsborough Street Corridor.

Priming “the bend” into a fitting “Trophy Street,” if you will, is a new take on a trio of concepts. Since the initial announcement for redevelopment, Trophy Brewing Co. is partnering with Carpenter Development on activating the three houses. “As soon as my partners in Trophy were willing to do the houses, we jumped at the opportunity,” says Carpenter Development owner and Trophy co-owner David Meeker.

The three homes will be converted into distinct concepts for an anticipated mid-November opening: a second State of Beer location with a more robust food menu but the same great selection of craft beer and natural wines; a casual neighborhood bar dubbed The Bend Bar on the corner serving cocktails, beer and the like; and a third concept in the works.

An elevated, covered patio will connect the three buildings, while ample outdoor space in the back will play host to live music and even perhaps a small food festival. “What we learned on Maywood is people really appreciate these wide green spaces,” says Trophy co-owner Chris Powers, “and it’s really exciting to be able to provide that close to Downtown.”

Adding to The Bend’s business boom, these fresh concepts will join a duo of other recently bowed businesses on the street: January’s new Gussie’s, and the February-slated renovated Wolfe & Porter. The latter will also feature downstairs speakeasy Cellar Liquor Bar upon reopening, turning the once-quiet corner of the city into a bustling hub of activity.

“The Morgan West District is really starting to take shape with Gussie’s being a hit already and Wolfe & Porter getting ready to open, adding to staples Irregardless and Trophy Brewing & Pizza,” emphasizes Meeker. “The Bend houses will serve to connect the district from a walkability standpoint and fill out the options available. It’s really exciting.” Not to mention 865 Morgan’s mixed-use residential and retail (and parking) prospects that a bustling walkable district requires. 

With its Person Street-level potential, as Meeker puts it, the street’s walk score will certainly get a boost. “Being a part of a pedestrian neighborhood is really exciting for us—where people can ride their bike or scooter, or walk and hit a couple of different places,” adds Powers. “We are looking at better ways to be connected to Downtown, and if you can leave your car and get here via public transit, your own bike or just walking, that’s always a plus.” And, so, a new destination emerges. 

Trophy’s trio of concepts, situated between Trophy Brewing and slated 865 Morgan, will join a streetful of thriving businesses, including Irregardless, Gussie’s, and Wolfe & Porter.

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