Cultural heritage, sustainable development, and the impacts of craft breweries in Pennsylvania

•Craft breweries are on the rise Pennsylvania.•This study inventoried the 156 breweries in Pennsylvania and their reuse of pre-existing buildings.•Several are located in National Register of Historic Places, others have renovated unique buildings creating distinct characteristics. One third of the state's breweries are revitalizing “Main Street” and support local downtowns and avoid suburban, cookie-cutter development.•In the larger cities such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, breweries revive old warehouses and industrial buildings, from the mid-1800s through early 1900s that utilize and promote new life in areas that may otherwise be in decline.•Breweries preserve intangible culture by reiterating local legends in the naming of beers, passing along stories to consumers.

Craft breweries are growing in Pennsylvania, and they are impacting the cultural landscape. The reinvention of the urban landscape, and the cultural heritage that is being preserved, is presented in this study through examining the location of 156 breweries in Pennsylvania and their reuse of pre-existing buildings. Several are located in buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and others have renovated unique buildings that create distinct characteristics in their establishments and local communities. One-third of the state's breweries are revitalizing “Main Street” and are supporting local downtowns, strengthening local economies and avoiding suburban, cookie-cutter development. In the larger cities such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, revival of old warehouses and industrial buildings, from the mid-1800s through early 1900s, is renovating and promoting new life in areas that would otherwise be in decline. In addition, breweries preserve intangible culture by reiterating local legends and pass stories along to consumers in a family-dining atmosphere through the names of their beer and food items.