In Allegheny County, a former Cold War Nike Missile Command Center has been transformed into a brewery, blending history with modern-day leisure and offering panoramic views of Pittsburgh. “We are in the former Nike Missile Command Center that operated as basically a defensive ring around Pittsburgh during the Cold War and this building was essentially the brains of the operation,” said Brian Eaton, co-founder of the brewery.The site originally housed 13 silos equipped with Nike Ajax missiles, designed to protect the people and manufacturing plants of Pittsburgh. However, no missiles were ever launched from the location, which was instead equipped with radar, computers, and personnel.”Something was picked up on this radar ball — they would basically activate the closest missile station that could intercept the target and the commands and all the data was intercepted and put in here and a signal would have been sent to that silo to launch it,” Eaton said.Kyle Mientkiewicz, another co-founder, explained the missile’s capabilities: “These would intercept a Russian missile that would be incoming and I believe their range, it says it right on here, is right around 25 to 30 miles, so it gives you a little bit of a sense of security, but 25 to 30 miles isn’t that far away when a nuclear bomb is detonating.”By 1972, the development of the intercontinental ballistic missile by Russia rendered the Nike Ajax missile and the Pittsburgh area defensive outpost obsolete. The command post later served as a base and depot hub supporting Operation Desert Storm until 2008, and by 2014, the last military personnel had moved out. The radar inside the facility still assists the FAA in tracking flights.When the property became available, Grist House cofounders saw an opportunity. “We kinda walked in here, saw the space, saw how tall the ceilings were, the concrete and how it was constructed and knew it would be great for a brewery and then we went out on the roof and saw that view out to the city and we were like if we put a deck on here and some rooftop decks and a taproom it would be a very unique space for people to come and visit,” Eaton said. The brewery now ships Grist House beer to Pittsburgh, Erie, State College, and potentially Philadelphia and beyond. Visitors can enjoy the view from three outdoor decks, offering a peacetime bird’s-eye perspective of the city once needed by Cold War U.S. generals. The commissary, where U.S. servicemembers once ate, now serves family recipes, and guests can enjoy a Command Lager while taking in the Steel City views.”Our Millvale space is very unique and when we found this, we leapt into it just because of the history and the geography, being able to see the city from nine miles away, and really just giving people an experience when they come here: great food, great beer, great views, one of the best places to drink beer in the United States,” Mientkiewicz said.
OAKDALE, Pa. —
In Allegheny County, a former Cold War Nike Missile Command Center has been transformed into a brewery, blending history with modern-day leisure and offering panoramic views of Pittsburgh.
“We are in the former Nike Missile Command Center that operated as basically a defensive ring around Pittsburgh during the Cold War and this building was essentially the brains of the operation,” said Brian Eaton, co-founder of the brewery.
The site originally housed 13 silos equipped with Nike Ajax missiles, designed to protect the people and manufacturing plants of Pittsburgh. However, no missiles were ever launched from the location, which was instead equipped with radar, computers, and personnel.
“Something was picked up on this radar ball — they would basically activate the closest missile station that could intercept the target and the commands and all the data was intercepted and put in here and a signal would have been sent to that silo to launch it,” Eaton said.
Kyle Mientkiewicz, another co-founder, explained the missile’s capabilities: “These would intercept a Russian missile that would be incoming and I believe their range, it says it right on here, is right around 25 to 30 miles, so it gives you a little bit of a sense of security, but 25 to 30 miles isn’t that far away when a nuclear bomb is detonating.”
By 1972, the development of the intercontinental ballistic missile by Russia rendered the Nike Ajax missile and the Pittsburgh area defensive outpost obsolete.
The command post later served as a base and depot hub supporting Operation Desert Storm until 2008, and by 2014, the last military personnel had moved out.
The radar inside the facility still assists the FAA in tracking flights.
When the property became available, Grist House cofounders saw an opportunity.
“We kinda walked in here, saw the space, saw how tall the ceilings were, the concrete and how it was constructed and knew it would be great for a brewery and then we went out on the roof and saw that view out to the city and we were like if we put a deck on here and some rooftop decks and a taproom it would be a very unique space for people to come and visit,” Eaton said.
The brewery now ships Grist House beer to Pittsburgh, Erie, State College, and potentially Philadelphia and beyond.
Visitors can enjoy the view from three outdoor decks, offering a peacetime bird’s-eye perspective of the city once needed by Cold War U.S. generals.
The commissary, where U.S. servicemembers once ate, now serves family recipes, and guests can enjoy a Command Lager while taking in the Steel City views.
“Our Millvale space is very unique and when we found this, we leapt into it just because of the history and the geography, being able to see the city from nine miles away, and really just giving people an experience when they come here: great food, great beer, great views, one of the best places to drink beer in the United States,” Mientkiewicz said.