Revolution Global is adding housing to its list of properties in Delavan.
The cannabis company already runs a 75,000 square foot medical marijuana cultivation center in the southern Tazewell County city, with plans to build a second one as it branches out into recreational products.
Now, the company has purchased three buildings in downtown Delavan: the former Harvest Cafe, Hometown Wine and Spirits, and the Exchange.
“It revolves very simply around the concept of long-term and short-term employee housing. We consider the campus we’re building out there almost like Revolution University," said Revolution CEO Mark de Souza.
With an eventual 350 to 400 employees, de Souza said there will be a need for a vibrant downtown and more housing as the company continues to expand.
The company plans to use the second-floor apartments in the three downtown buildings it purchased, with the lower floors available for lease to interested entrepreneurs.
"We thought this was a great and easy first step as the business here in Illinois flowers and the industry itself is really hitting its next growth curve," he said. Recreational cannabis becomes legal in Illinois on Jan. 1.
He said he hopes Revolution's expansion efforts spur more housing and economic development in Delavan.
Editor's Note: A previous version of this article called the company "Revolution Cannabis." The name was recently changed to "Revolution Global."
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