The Redlands Noon Rotary Club recently stepped outside the usual meeting setting for a field trip to Escape Craft Brewery’s Downtown Oasis location in Redlands.
The visit offered a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and experience a local business that blends history, innovation, and community.
Escape Craft Brewery has been part of the Redlands area since 2007, with its Nevada Street Barrelhouse opening in 2015. Since then, the brewery has continued to grow, expanding to Laguna Niguel in 2021 and bringing new life to the Downtown Oasis location.
The Downtown Oasis building itself carries a rich history. Originally constructed in 1906 to 1907 as a warehouse for the City Transfer and Storage Company, the site sits near what was once Redlands’ Chinatown on Oriental Avenue. In recent years, the space has been thoughtfully reimagined into a restaurant and entertainment venue, preserving its historic character while creating something new for the community.
During redevelopment, archaeological discoveries helped shed light on the area’s past, adding another layer of significance to the space. Today, the building stands as a great example of how historic structures can be adapted and revitalized.
During the visit, owner Melissa Fisher shared insights into both the history of beer and the craft behind brewing. Members learned the key differences between lagers and ales, as well as the science and technique that go into creating each batch.
The experience continued with a guided tour of the brewing process. From raw ingredients to mashing, boiling, flavoring, and fermentation, members were able to see firsthand how beer is made from start to finish.
The afternoon offered a perfect mix of education, local history, and fellowship.
At Redlands Noon Rotary, experiences like this highlight the importance of supporting local businesses while staying connected as a club. Whether through service projects or community outings, Rotary continues to build relationships and strengthen ties throughout Redlands.