Journeyman Distillery in Three Oaks is planning an expansion project in Valparaiso amid continuing issues with Three Oaks’ wastewater system.
Journeyman is currently paying to have its waste hauled to LaPorte and Niles since the system in Three Oaks cannot handle the volume or content. The distillery began the hauling after a back and forth with the village over the wastewater system and Journeyman’s discharge.
Owner Bill Welter said they purchased 50 acres of land behind their current location with eyes to expand but that has been put on hold.
Valparaiso approached them with the idea to develop and old factory building, Welter said the plan is in very early stages.
“We are very excited about the possibility of it happening but at the same time realize that we’re not even close to halfway there.”
Valparaiso is Welter's home town. He said they’d like to use the space in Valpo as a distillery and a brewery, with a restaurant, event space and a small hotel. He tentatively put the opening in the fall of 2020.
The village of Three Oaks says they’re working on a waste characterization survey and hope to have a potential solution to the wastewater problems by the end of September.
Welter said if the water issues get fixed, Journeyman would still like to expand in Three Oaks as well.
