Craft brewery to fill space where Last Place on Earth had operated

A more legitimate mind-altering substance will soon be sold at a certain notorious downtown Duluth address.

This summer, a craft beer brewery will move three blocks to the south into space where the Last Place on Earth head shop had operated until 2013, when the building was seized by federal authorities after owner Jim Carlson was convicted of selling synthetic drugs.

Blacklist Artisan Ales, which has been in business nearby at 211 E. 2nd St. since it opened in 2012, announced Sunday that it expects to be in its new taproom and production space at 120 E. Superior St. by the summer.

Duluth-based business developer Titanium Partners bought the 108-year-old building, which first housed a hotel. Titanium has "invested heavily in returning the building to its former glory, salvaging and showcasing the building's unique and historic architectural features," the firm said in an announcement.

"This move allows us to expand production while continuing to experiment with new ales in a setting that leaves us more accessible and better connected to our customers," said Brian Schanzenbach, founding partner of Blacklist and head brewer.

Carlson, 58, was convicted in October 2013 on more than 50 federal felony charges.

Two others who worked at Last Place on Earth were also prosecuted for their roles in the sales. Carlson's girlfriend, Lava M. Haugen, was convicted on four felony counts and Carlson's son, Joseph Gellerman, was convicted on two misdemeanors.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482