ABOUT THIS PROJECT
An immersive campus rooted in legacy, crafted for experience, and designed for sustainable impact.
Inspired by the life and legend of Clyde May, Alabama’s original outlaw distiller turned namesake of the official state spirit, Luckett & Farley was entrusted to design a destination that honors his rebellious ingenuity while positioning the brand for long-term growth. Drawing on deep expertise in the distilled spirits sector and a legacy of designing iconic visitor experiences, our team provided comprehensive design services from master planning through construction administration, helping bring to life Alabama’s native son’s distillery once again.
The greenfield campus in Troy was envisioned not as a singular structure but as a series of interconnected experiences, nestled into the site’s rolling hills and mature woodlands. The design mirrors Clyde May’s dual nature (part moonshiner, part entrepreneur) by marrying agrarian vernacular architecture with elevated experiential design. A gravel drive winds around forested terrain, gradually revealing a collection of thoughtfully placed structures: a still house with a 40-foot copper column still, bottling facility, and The Big House, which includes a tasting room, retail space, and open-air porches.
With the goal of making Clyde May’s a catalyst for distillery tourism in Alabama, every element of the campus was conceived to balance visitor immersion with operational transparency. Public and production functions were clearly delineated yet visually connected to reveal the craft.
Sustainability was an essential layer of design. The project leverages site topography for gravity-fed process lines, reducing energy consumption, while the buildings use breezeways, porches, and operable doors for natural ventilation. Taking full advantage of Alabama’s expansive campus and temperate climate, we designed a series of distinct buildings that support diverse uses, each connected by a central courtyard that encourages movement, interaction, and outdoor activity year-round. Water conservation is achieved through low-flow fixtures and a passive stormwater strategy that uses existing lakes for on-site management. Native meadow grasses and preserved forest reduce ecological disturbance and maintenance needs, reinforcing a landscape-first design ethos.
Ultimately, this immersive campus doesn’t just produce whiskey, it preserves heritage, sparks tourism, and sets a benchmark for future spirits destinations in the Southeast. Luckett & Farley’s integrated architecture, engineering, and interiors approach brought Clyde May’s legacy into sharp focus and translated authenticity, place, and vision into a one-of-a-kind experience.
