The Virginia Metalcrafters Marketplace is steeped in history, with roots tracing back to the late 19th century. Initially manufacturing cast iron stoves and heaters as the Waynesboro Stove Company, in 1938 a brass foundry was installed and it became Virginia Metalcrafters. The company became known for its decorative hardware, fireplace accessories, their famous trivets, and many more decorative items. In 2006 Virginia Metalcrafters ceased operations, but its legacy lives on.
In 2016 Basic City Beer Co. opened as the first occupant of what is known today as Virginia Metalcrafters Martketplace. The Historic Metalcrafters building is quickly becoming a destination for tourists and local with the addition of several new businesses. Common Wealth Crush is an urban winery producing offering winemaking and related support services for their clients in the co-op. Enjoy wines from their winemaking family clients in their beautiful, boho-chic tasting room every Thursday – Sunday. Happ Coffee relocated to Virginia Metalcrafters Marketplace from their space downtown in order to start roasting their own coffee beans. Relax in their spacious industrial coffee shop with delicious bevvies and noms.
Basic City Beer Co. has also expanded since opening starting with the addition of an arcade in their tap room. Then they added The Showroom, a speakeasy-style bar housed in the original showroom of Virginia Metalcrafters. Most recently they have opened The Foundry, and 800 person music venue that books national and local acts.