Streator Incubator

08/18/2026

Thanks to Ian for getting the word out!

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1C4rcKcGtL/?mibextid=wwXIfr

08/06/2026

Historic building, exciting future!

THROWBACK THURSDAY: Streator’s Armory was opened in 1938.

It was one of 10 almost identical armories built across the state as part of President Franklin Roosevelt’s Public Works Administration program. Some of the other 10 armories were built in Pontiac, Delavan, Champaign, Elgin, Mt. Vernon and Waukegan.

While the Armory first housed the 1st Battalion and Company B of the 129th Infantry, it played host to several different companies. In fact, the first “Streator Guard” was organized in 1875 and first saw action in 1898 during the Spanish American War. There were a few locations suggested when the armory was first proposed, including inside City Park. A piece of land in what was part of Merriner Park was agreed upon in 1935.

The Army maintained and used the building on and off up until 2015 when it was formally leased and handed over to the city for $1 for use as a community center and to cultivate small local businesses.

The Armory building has hosted several community events over the years including the Golden Gloves boxing matches, the Hobby Show, home shows, high school basketball games, Scout gatherings, the Red Cross, blood bank and big bands.

Now operating as the Streator Incubator, the city recently received a grant to enhance the facility, adding a volume 3-D printer, a 20 Ton Hydraulic Press Brake, a 50 Ton Hydraulic Press, a 1,900 square inch CO2 laser table, a 48 x 96 plasma table, along with improvements to a commercial kitchen. Work is expected to wrap up in the next month or so. The facility also has office and retail space, housing Blade's Cardchive.

THROWBACK THURSDAY is a collaboration between the Streator Chamber of Commerce and Streatorland Historical Society Museum putting a spotlight on a member's storied past. Catch it every Thursday to learn more about the history of our Streator places or businesses. Visit the Streatorland Historical Museum, 109 E. Elm St., the corner of Elm and Park streets (across from City Park), to discover more. It is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Call 815-673-3558 for more information.

04/15/2026

Anyone notice something missing?

Our south bleachers have been removed to make way for our new 3D-Printing Room. This is a part of our new Maker's Lab and Kitchen renovation project that started last week.

In addition, we'll have a laser cutter/engraver, a plasma cutter/welder that will handle up to 5/8" metal, a press brake that will bend metal up to 1/2", and a 32"-wide hydraulic press.

Once this is operational, it will have enormous potential for helping ideas grow into small shops and medium-sized employers just like ones we already have as staples of local manufacturing in the greater Starved Rock area.

Our kitchen wing will be transformed into an all-in-one food-prep and food-packaging shop, so upstart food-based businesses can prepare and package food all in one certified commercial place.

This has all been made possible through a long labor of work by our Incubator Board of Directors and the City of Streator, in partnership with the Economic Development Administration.

We believe this will be a great economic development tool, not just for Streator, but for our entire region. The business startups that currently occupy office space in our facility will remain, along with the community aspect of the Incubator; the gymnasium floor and classrooms will not be affected, and most activities will go on as planned. This matches with our stated mission of being focused on economic development but also preserving this local treasure for community events.

And yes, the bleachers will go back up when the Printing Room is finished.

03/18/2026

02/05/2026

Want to start your own business, but not sure how to get going? Or maybe you have your own business, but are looking for more guidance? The Small Business Accelerator course through Illinois Valley Community College is designed for early-stage entrepreneurs.

For more information or to register, call 815-224-0427 or visit www.ivcc.edu/enroll Jump on this now: The class begins Feb. 17 and runs through April 14.