Turning a Historic Church Into a Business: Zoning, Financing, and the Real Tradeoffs | Scott Hand | Part 2

This episode isn’t about a brewery.It’s about what it really takes to build a business inside zoning law, historic preservation rules, and complex financing structures.In Part 2 of this conversation, Scott Hand - architect, founder of Trilobite Design, and co-owner of a brewery and events business - walks through the real constraints behind converting a 150-year-old church into a legally operating manufacturing facility.This was not a creative challenge. It was a systems challenge.We cover:Why brewery manufacturing wasn’t allowed under the original zoningHow “accessory use” rules dictated the size, layout, and production limits of the businessThe permitting decision that made the project viable - and the one Scott would approach differently todayHow historic tax credits and PACE financing enabled a renovation that didn’t pencil on cash flow aloneIf you’re a founder, operator, or investor working inside regulation, legacy infrastructure, or capital constraints, this conversation will feel familiar.This isn’t a highlight reel. It’s a practical breakdown of how real businesses actually get built -  under pressure, not in hindsight.Reach out: [email protected] Milestones is a video podcast featuring honest conversations with founders, parents, and investors about building real businesses, staying healthy, and raising families.New episodes release Tuesdays and Fridays.Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChiefMilestonesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chiefmilestones/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7HLDAe7SP3GnJSTOgAQqLy?si=6e9ac82be46f413cApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chief-milestones/id1861185226