Until the beginning of Prohibition, the brewery produced Dubuque Star beer.

Between 1988 and 1998 or thereabout,[clarification needed] the brewery was operated by Zele Brewing Company management.

During this period, Erlanger Beer Brand was owned by Stroh's and it was a licensed product.

It also brewed a private label for TGIF chain which increased its production to about 25,000 barrels or more a year.

The city of Dubuque acquired the building through eminent domain proceedings as part of the riverfront renovation efforts.

Madison, Wisconsin based Alexander Company was brought in to redevelop the site, however they were unable to bring any tenants in for the brewery.

On 23 March 2006, it was announced that Stone Cliff Winery had signed an agreement with Port of Dubuque LLC to lease part of the brewery.

This lease was contingent on the city and Port of Dubuque signing a development deal.