We barged in on Matt McCulloch today with only three hours before the soft opening of his new pub and brewery, District 14, at 2273 S. Howell Ave. in the former Custom Designed Lighting space.

Although McCulloch was still finishing up the flooring, he was kind enough to take a break for a few minutes to tell us more about his venture.

District 14, located next door to Cafe Lulu, will have a soft opening tonight, starting at 7 p.m. For now, all sales are cash-only.

McCulloch will brew all of the beer at District 14. He will open tonight with a brown ale, dark chocolate ale, American pale and Kolsch. Eventually, he will have 10 different beers on tap which will be available in pints and growlers.

District 14 beer might be available at Lulu, but for the most part, will be sold exclusively from the bar.

"I have a small system," he says.

District 14 will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until the grand opening that will take place in October. (The exact date is TBA.) It will then be open every night of the week.

McCulloch, who is originally from Kenosha and now lives in Muskego, has been brewing for a decade, but says he got serious about it three years ago. Prior to the brewery, McCulloch had a small recording business and worked as a freelance wedding photographer.

District 14 is cozy and warm with an acacia hardwood floor and a large basswood bar. McCulloch did all of the woodwork himself – with help from his friend, Gary. It has taken about a year and a half to go from concept to opening day.

"I’ve been working on it for so long that I’m anxious to get it open now," he says. "I’m pretty proud."