A former church in Niles will soon have a new life thanks to a Berrien County wine maker and distillery.
The Niles City Council this week granted Round Barn a ten-year tax abatement for Grace United Methodist Church on Grant Street. It will freeze the taxable value of the property for a decade while Round Barn turns the church into a restaurant and a tasting room.
The project is expected to cost $1.3 million, and Round Barn says it represents a significant milestone for the business.
This will be Round Barn’s third location in Berrien County.
Niles Community Development Manager Ryan Millin says the “investment in the city is a wonderful addition supporting our economic development efforts,” adding it will create 15 jobs.
