From muffler shop to vacant space, the building at 3 N. Third St. in downtown Niles is about to embark on its next journey, after a recent Colorado transplant saw its potential.

Howard Tuthill will be spending the next couple of months transforming the 2,900-square-foot building into Iron Shoe Distilling, which is slated to open the summer of 2018.

Tuthill moved from Golden, Colorado to Edwardsburg in May. Earlier this year, he purchased the site of the former muffler shop.

Tuthill’s vision for Iron Shoe Distilling is a place where customers can enjoy craft distilled rum, whiskey, vodka and liqueurs, to name just a few. A restaurant and bar area will feature cocktails and gourmet burgers, made from fresh local ingredients. Tuthill said he also hopes to acquire a liquor license to add beer and wine to round out the menu. Additionally, he plans to create a rooftop patio, where customers can take in a westward view of the St. Joseph River.

Tuthill also plans to add on about 900 square-feet to the building’s south side to offer more bar and restaurant space. The addition will be the biggest part of getting the building in shape for operation.

For Tuthill, the passion to own and manage a distillery was found while earning his master’s in business at the University of Colorado in Denver. For his thesis project, Tuthill researched and created a business plan for a distillery.

“When I graduated I didn’t want to get a corporate job, so I decided to make it a reality,” Tuthill said.

For more than two years, Tuthill owned and operated the Whistling Hare distillery in Westminster, Colorado. With his expertise in the industry, he was also able to help other distillery business owners get their start. Before moving to Michiana, Tuthill sold the Whistling Hare and it remains in operation.

“I really enjoy the industry. It’s fun. There are so many different types of distilling that you can make,” Tuthill said. “It’s really fun experimenting and trying new things. There is also just a social component. I love working in the tasting room and meeting all the different people.”

Tuthill and his wife, Laura,  are about to have their second child and the family decided it was an opportune time to move closer to relatives in Granger, Indiana.

Once settled, Tuthill began searching for his next distillery project. After touring downtown Niles, Tuthill said he felt he had found the right place.

“We looked all over, but really fell in love with Niles,” Tuthill said. “We really loved the downtown area. It wasn’t just made up of strip malls.”

Tuthill was also inspired by the resurgence of the local business that he saw. He commended  Lisa Croteau, the director of the Niles Main Street Downtown Development Authority Main Street for helping him to get his start.

“We are really excited to be part of this revitalization of the downtown Niles area,” Tuthill said. “We want to be involved in the community in whatever way possible.”

Finding an ideal building also sealed the deal. The building’s character, stemming from its 1920s architecture, which features brick and wide windows, gave it some appeal that Tuthill plans to leave in the building’s design. A wide garage area will also offer ample space, which Tuthill plans to use as a place to craft and distill his products, made from quality ingredients.

“We feel really strongly that we make everything in house,” Tuthill said. “We take all the raw grains and sugars to ferment and distill everything in house.”

The businesses name, Iron Shoe, is derived from the symbolism of a horseshoe, which has been attributed as a sign of bringing good luck and good spirits — much like the ones Tuthill said customers will be able to find on the menu. The name was also partly inspired by his family’s pet horse.

In the coming days, Tuthill will be finalizing his business plans with the city. He already has a federal permit for distilling. He will also be moving his family to Niles, after completing construction of their house.

Tuthill said he hopes to draw people from all over Michiana to patronize the business and is eager to get Iron Shoe Distilling up and running.

“I think this will be a benefit to the community,” Tuthill said. “It is an attractive business in the world of craft beverages and foods. I think it will be neat and positive to have it in Niles. Not only for residents here, but also for the surrounding area. I think it will complement all the work that’s gone into the revitalization of downtown.”