Schmidt began an expansion project that included forced-air drying and modern mechanical refrigeration that replaced the need for Stahlmann's lagering caves.

Schmidt also employed the help of Chicago architect, Bernard Barthel, to add the "feudal castle style" to the expanded brewery.

With the onset of Prohibition in 1919, The Schmidt Brewery began producing soft drinks and a successful near-beer called Select.

The vigorous activity of the brewing industry at the turn of the century occurred in spite of a growing temperance movement in the state.

Newspaper articles celebrating St. Paul's emergence from the economic depression listed every leading industry but the one that had made the most investment was the Schmidt Brewery.

[6] The St. Paul branch of the Pfeiffer Brewing Co. enjoyed nearly two decades of success, employing new marketing and advertising campaigns including the introduction of the scenic can series created by famous Minnesota artist Leslie Kouba.

Under Bond's management, the brewery did not have much success and was forced to close in 1990, despite the efforts of St. Paul's city leaders to preserve the business and the hundreds of jobs that were lost.

[9] Old inadequate equipment and the competition of major national brands also contributed to their demise The company in management during this time decided to join a growing movement towards producing fuels from grains.

With the lawsuits and substantial annual losses, the brewery was forced to close in 2002, ending 147 years of brewing at the historical site.

[10] The Saint Paul City Council authorized a $69.3 million in conduit bonds for the Schmidt Artist Lofts project.