Economic Development

Two longtime empty buildings bordering Uptown Circle in Normal could be the site of new construction, after a design review committee approved a Joliet company's proposed Trail East and Trail West developments.

The Normal Town Council has adopted a new strategic plan for the next three years. Mayor Chris Koos talks about some of the details.

Bloomington Mayor Dan Brady said the summer is marking progress on more than $315 million in public and private investment projects.

Bloomington appears ready to more aggressively market naming rights opportunities for the former Grossinger Motors Arena in Downtown Bloomington. Sponsorship by the auto group ended in 2022, and the city has called a news conference next Wednesday to highlight revived use of the building.

In his first State of the City speech, Bloomington Mayor Dan Brady said the city has accomplished a lot in his first year in office.

After more than eight years of trying, the Town of Normal may be able to move ahead with the Trail East and West developments on Uptown Circle. And if council members balk at a price increase for the Uptown Underpass, the town could have to repay millions in grant funding.

The state has announced a $5 million grant for the Bloomington-Normal Water Reclamation District [BNWRD] that is intended to stimulate business development on the west side of the Twin Cities.

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 Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council has named an interim chief executive officer. Tyler Cravens will hold the position while the council conducts a national search for someone to succeed Patrick Hoban.

Ten of the 11 people who spoke during the public comments portion of Monday’s Bloomington City Council meeting voiced opposition to a perceived possibility of a data center development south of Central Illinois Regional Airport.