As new businesses seem to slowly fill in Main Street in downtown Tryon, Maple Street is will also add a distillery and art gallery soon.

John and Jocelyn Davis, with Tryon Back Door Distillery signed a lease on Wednesday, Oct. 23 with the Town of Tryon for its brick building that houses the town’s public work’s offices. The property is located at 77 Maple Street.

John Davis said he plans to start renovating the building next week and hopes for Jocelyn’s art gallery to be open in a month or so. The making of legal moonshine and other liquors will begin after permits are obtained, John Davis said.

Tryon Town Manager Joey Davis said the lease was signed for the brick building and those offices for now will be moved to the second floor of town hall. The lease was signed for one year at $450 per month, according to Joey Davis.

John Davis said the plan is to completely renovate the inside of the building and use half of the space for the art gallery and the other half for the distillery.

“It’s a big step,” John Davis said. “I couldn’t do anything without a lease.”

Tryon Town Council amended its zoning ordinance in September to allow distilleries/breweries in its central business, transitional business, general business and Industrial districts.

Tryon Back Door Distillery will have an art gallery and tours of the distillery as well as tastings and charcoal burning events once the distillery is open.

Jocelyn is an artist and potter and plans to make the jugs for the liquors.

John Davis said although the renovations likely won’t be complete for Tryon’s Beer festival on Nov. 9, he does plan to have a tent at the event.