Mason’s Brewing Co. plans to open next year at 186 Main St. in Auburn, the area highlighted at left in yellow. City of Auburn photo

AUBURN — A project two years in the making will see Mason’s Brewing Co. come to the city’s recently announced mixed-use facility at 186 Main St., the city announced Wednesday.

Chris Morley, Mason’s owner and brewer, confirmed the business will occupy the basement and first floor of the new facility, filling some 7,000 square feet and providing seating for 250 people.

Gorham-based Great Falls Construction is planning to purchase the vacant property.

This will be the brewery’s second location.

Mason’s opened in 2016 in Brewer on the banks of the Penobscot River and was described in a 2018 article in Down East Magazine as “a laid-back, family-friendly vibe and a kitchen that handles pub chow as creatively and exactingly as the brewers handle beer.”

“At Mason’s, we take deep pride in creating the perfect beer with precision, hard work and quality ingredients,” Morley said. “We are excited to expand our brand in Auburn and to connect with this community.”

Mason’s neighbor will be Gritty McDuff’s Brewing Co., which is the only business downtown with a prime riverside deck and view of the Androscoggin. Gritty’s, as most locals know it, opened in 2005 and is a popular spot offering pub fare as well.

Mayor Jason Levesque said he’s excited about the news, posting it on social media. “Mason’s is a great example of a high-end, existing operation that sees real value in expansion into Auburn due to our city’s growth and business-friendly policies,” according to the city’s news release.

Mason’s is expected to open in the late spring or early summer of 2023.