Downtown Bloomington

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.

In the agreement with Lifelong Access, Bloomington will purchase a lot immediately north of the building and build a new 77-space public lot. In turn, the city will lease a 43-space lot at the former Elks Lodge along Madison to Lifelong Access on a 99-year term.

The Bloomington City Council on Monday approved an agreement with Carle Health and Deneen Brothers Farms that paves the way for the regional medical campus on 35 acres within the Empire Business Park.

Bloomington Mayor Dan Brady said the downtown business community largely drove the city decision to scale back on First Friday promotional events. The city will now pick its spots to promote First Fridays, tied to happenings such as the Route 66 Festival, Tour du Chocolat, or holiday programs.

The City of Bloomington is making adjustments to regulations governing sidewalks and storefront doorways in portions of the downtown area, potentially allowing some businesses to expand their entry areas.

The monthly initiative aimed at drawing foot traffic to businesses and art galleries downtown has seen waning participation, driving city staff to rethink their involvement. In addition to city-sponsored First Fridays in Feb., July and Dec., business owners are committed to leading the initiative the rest of the year.

Specs Around Town will soon be under new ownership. Julie Kubsch is retiring and has sold the boutique eyewear store to Jenna Bixby-Nehl, who will take over Jan. 6.