Downtown Bloomington

The historic Clay Dooley Building in the heart of Bloomington is getting a new tenant after sitting idle for nearly a decade.

Urban Equity Properties began construction Monday, turning the old State Farm building into an upscale 183-unit apartment complex in Downtown Bloomington. City officials say an increase in inventory, regardless of price point, provides relief for renters in search of affordable housing.

Phase one, including the first 57 apartments, is expected to be completed by next summer. Justin Fern of Urban Equity Properties spoke to WGLT on details for the planned G.J. Lofts project.

The data center public forum will be held at the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts on Wednesday, May 6. The event will be from 2-4 p.m. and continue from 6-8 p.m.

The first of three First Fridays is in June, with cover bands performing popular hits across decades and genres on the BCPA lawn.

Bloomington City Manager Jeff Jurgens said he's pleased with the redevelopment of the former Pantagraph print building on West Jefferson Street. The building has reopened with the 8 Bit Arcade, a retro-style video game and pinball arcade and bar on the main floor.

The City of Bloomington's Downtown for Everyone project is moving through the 500 block of North Main Street as scheduled and is still expected to cost $13.2 million. Residents and business owners are continuing to adapt through sometimes inconvenient construction work.

Redevelopment of one of Bloomington’s most prominent downtown buildings will occur in phases, with the initial phase beginning in July and targeted for completion by the middle of next year.

The Bloomington City Council is expected to vote Monday on changes to a redevelopment agreement for the former State Farm building downtown, including a $42 million Phase 1 that would bring a Starbucks to the property by July 2027.

City Manager Jeff Jurgens shared the newest images of the Connect Transit transfer center that is set to break ground at the end of 2026 or early 2027. The design is 60% complete.