Downtown Peorias new business innovation hub to open soon [Video]

PEORIA (25News Now) – After more than a decade of planning and development, Distillery Labs could open as soon as July 31 in Downtown Peoria.

Distillery Labs is a 30,000 square foot building located at the former ICC building on SW Adams Street.

The idea is to support, mentor and connect entrepreneurs to community resources.

Business owners can lease space and use equipment for a fee, including a commercial kitchen, podcasting studios and a 3D printer.

Distillery Labs Executive Director Doug Cruitt said lease prices range from $175 to $1,400 per month.

“Our goal is to lose about 80% of all of our tenants. That’s because they come in, they grow, and they graduate out,” said Cruitt. “What are they going to do next? They’re going to go out into the community.”

Distillery Labs is part of the Illinois Innovation Network. The state funded $12 million to renovate the building.

Cruitt said at least …