Bloomington Convention Center (formerly Monroe Convention Center) - Revision history

Chronically Dave at 21:30, 18 June 2026

2026-06-18T21:30:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:30, 18 June 2026
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	=== '''Timeline: Bloomington Convention Center''' ===		=== '''Timeline: Bloomington Convention Center''' ===
	=== 2026 ===		=== 2026 ===

			* '''2026-06-18 Seminary Pointe land swap.''' Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson issues a news release saying College Square remains an ideal convention center hotel site, invites the Monroe County Capital Improvement Board or its hotel developer to submit an RDC-process proposal that could include a land exchange, and says preserving Seminary Pointe’s 29 affordable units would require a qualified owner or developer, not a land exchange alone. [[https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-18-College-Square-Seminary-Pointe-land-swap-Bloomington-mayor-Kerry-Thomson.pdf copy of news release]]

			* '''2026-06-17 Seminary Pointe host hotel schedule.''' Monroe County’s Capital Improvement Board reviews a Seminary Pointe host-hotel selection schedule with proposals due June 30, special meetings July 1 and July 8, and a July 15 target for choosing a developer, while CIB president John Whikehart says the board does not intend to answer Bloomington RDC’s July 20 College Square offering, making a Seminary Pointe-for-College Square land swap less likely. [[https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-06-18-College-Square-Seminary-Pointe-land-swap-Bloomington-mayor-Kerry-Thomson.pdf copy of news release]] [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/hotel-timeline-narrows-window-for-seminary-pointe-land-swap-in-downtown-bloomington/#ghost-comments-6a345be9aeefd9000145dab1 BSB coverage]]

	* '''2026-06-11 Demolition-delay review.''' Demolition notices posted June 10 on the Seminary Pointe block trigger Bloomington’s 90-day demolition-delay review, while housing advocates continue to press for a Monroe County Capital Improvement Board (CIB)–Bloomington Redevelopment Commission (RDC) land swap to preserve affordable apartments and community businesses instead of clearing the site for a host hotel. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/seminary-pointe-demolition-clock-starts-as-downtown-bloomington-land-swap-hopes-continue/ BSB coverage]]		* '''2026-06-11 Demolition-delay review.''' Demolition notices posted June 10 on the Seminary Pointe block trigger Bloomington’s 90-day demolition-delay review, while housing advocates continue to press for a Monroe County Capital Improvement Board (CIB)–Bloomington Redevelopment Commission (RDC) land swap to preserve affordable apartments and community businesses instead of clearing the site for a host hotel. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/seminary-pointe-demolition-clock-starts-as-downtown-bloomington-land-swap-hopes-continue/ BSB coverage]]

Chronically Dave at 17:14, 11 June 2026

2026-06-11T17:14:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:14, 11 June 2026
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	* '''2025-06-02 Host-hotel design funds.''' The RDC approves $300,000 for preliminary architectural designs for Dora Hospitality’s proposed host hotel at the former Bunger & Robertson site, with Randy Cassady dissenting, bringing RDC soft support for site review and design work to about $400,000. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/tens-of-millions-of-dollars-from-bloomington-could-support-convention-center-host-hotel-legal-pressure-mounts-for-showers-west-public-purpose/ BSB coverage]] [[https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/RFP-Monroe-Convention-Center-Hotel-Developer-CIB-6-28-24_FINAL-compressed.pdf copy of 2024 hotel RFP]]		* '''2025-06-02 Host-hotel design funds.''' The RDC approves $300,000 for preliminary architectural designs for Dora Hospitality’s proposed host hotel at the former Bunger & Robertson site, with Randy Cassady dissenting, bringing RDC soft support for site review and design work to about $400,000. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/tens-of-millions-of-dollars-from-bloomington-could-support-convention-center-host-hotel-legal-pressure-mounts-for-showers-west-public-purpose/ BSB coverage]] [[https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/RFP-Monroe-Convention-Center-Hotel-Developer-CIB-6-28-24_FINAL-compressed.pdf copy of 2024 hotel RFP]]

	~~=== 2025 ===~~
	* '''2025-06-03''' '''Construction.''' Groundbreaking ceremony held.
	* '''2025-03-26 Real estate for hotel.''' Bloomington economic and sustainable development director Jane Kupersmith tells the CIB that a deal involving the land north of the existing convention center, formerly owned by Bunger and Robertson, could appear on the April 7, 2025 agenda for Bloomington's RDC. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-pushes-for-progress-on-hotel-deal-to-support-bloomington-convention-center-expansion-could-come-on-april-7-2/ BSB coverage]] [[https://web.archive.org/web/20250328150317/https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-pushes-for-progress-on-hotel-deal-to-support-bloomington-convention-center-expansion-could-come-on-april-7-2/ WayBM]]		* '''2025-03-26 Real estate for hotel.''' Bloomington economic and sustainable development director Jane Kupersmith tells the CIB that a deal involving the land north of the existing convention center, formerly owned by Bunger and Robertson, could appear on the April 7, 2025 agenda for Bloomington's RDC. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-pushes-for-progress-on-hotel-deal-to-support-bloomington-convention-center-expansion-could-come-on-april-7-2/ BSB coverage]] [[https://web.archive.org/web/20250328150317/https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-pushes-for-progress-on-hotel-deal-to-support-bloomington-convention-center-expansion-could-come-on-april-7-2/ WayBM]]
	* '''2025-03-05''' '''Finances.''' On a 6-0 vote, the Bloomington City Council approves $46.8 million in bonds to help fund the $70 million convention center expansion project. The debt service will be paid with food and beverage tax revenue, with economic development local income tax proceeds as a backup. The construction is expected to begin in June 2025 and be completed by February 2027. Absent from the meeting are Kate Rosenbarger, Matt Flaherty and Andy Ruff. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-oks-46-8m-bond-issuance-to-help-fund-70m-convention-center-project/ BSB coverage]] Part of the discussion prior to the vote centers on the role of labor unions and their request for a project labor agreement (PLA) with the Monroe County capital improvement board, which oversees the project. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/meeting-talk-how-has-union-labors-role-been-factored-into-construction-of-bloomington-convention-center-expansion-2/ BSB coverage]]		* '''2025-03-05''' '''Finances.''' On a 6-0 vote, the Bloomington City Council approves $46.8 million in bonds to help fund the $70 million convention center expansion project. The debt service will be paid with food and beverage tax revenue, with economic development local income tax proceeds as a backup. The construction is expected to begin in June 2025 and be completed by February 2027. Absent from the meeting are Kate Rosenbarger, Matt Flaherty and Andy Ruff. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-oks-46-8m-bond-issuance-to-help-fund-70m-convention-center-project/ BSB coverage]] Part of the discussion prior to the vote centers on the role of labor unions and their request for a project labor agreement (PLA) with the Monroe County capital improvement board, which oversees the project. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/meeting-talk-how-has-union-labors-role-been-factored-into-construction-of-bloomington-convention-center-expansion-2/ BSB coverage]]

Chronically Dave: /* Timeline: Bloomington Convention Center */

2026-06-11T17:13:06Z

Timeline: Bloomington Convention Center

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:13, 11 June 2026
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	=== '''Timeline: Bloomington Convention Center''' ===		=== '''Timeline: Bloomington Convention Center''' ===
			=== 2026 ===

			* '''2026-06-11 Demolition-delay review.''' Demolition notices posted June 10 on the Seminary Pointe block trigger Bloomington’s 90-day demolition-delay review, while housing advocates continue to press for a Monroe County Capital Improvement Board (CIB)–Bloomington Redevelopment Commission (RDC) land swap to preserve affordable apartments and community businesses instead of clearing the site for a host hotel. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/seminary-pointe-demolition-clock-starts-as-downtown-bloomington-land-swap-hopes-continue/ BSB coverage]]

			* '''2026-06-03 Land-swap support letter.''' Bloomington’s city council votes 8–0, with Kate Rosenbarger absent, to send a revised letter to the RDC supporting a possible College Square–Seminary Pointe land swap even if the transaction is less than equal in dollar value, citing affordable housing and community-business preservation as public benefits. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/land-swap-to-save-seminary-pointe-housing-now-backed-by-bloomington-city-council/ BSB coverage]]

			* '''2026-06-02 Skywalk road closure.''' Bloomington’s Board of Public Works approves a Weddle Brothers request to close College Avenue between 3rd and 2nd streets from June 30 to July 24 so the convention center skywalk enclosure can be installed, with a noise-waiver request included. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/college-avenue-to-close-june-30-for-bloomington-convention-center-skywalk-enclosure/ BSB coverage]]

			* '''2026-05-30 Existing facility upgrades.''' The CIB signs off on about $2.1 million in upgrades to the existing Bloomington Convention Center, using about $1.6 million from Convention and Visitors Commission innkeeper’s-tax reserves and about $500,000 from CIB construction funds for HVAC, masonry, outside-air, window, kitchen and technology work. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/innkeepers-tax-helps-pay-for-upgrades-to-existing-bloomington-convention-center/ BSB coverage]]

			* '''2026-05-20 Seminary Pointe lease extensions.''' The CIB extends remaining residential leases and three commercial leases at Seminary Pointe through Aug. 31, 2026, shortens Jeff’s Warehouse’s lease to no later than Sept. 30, 2026, and authorizes executive director John Whikehart to pursue demolition permitting while land-swap discussions continue. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/seminary-pointe-tenants-get-more-time-as-bloomington-convention-center-host-hotel-moves-ahead/ BSB coverage]]

			* '''2026-05-20 Public art selection.''' The CIB unanimously selects Benjamin Ball’s “A Form of Connection,” an approximately $400,000 aluminum installation wrapping the skywalk over College Avenue, as the convention center expansion’s signature public art project. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/skybridge-sculpture-selected-as-public-art-for-bloomington-convention-center-expansion/ BSB coverage]]

			* '''2026-04-24 Seminary Pointe hotel RFP.''' The CIB approves a new request for proposals for a host hotel on Seminary Pointe and nearby downtown parcels, with responses due June 30, while housing advocates continue urging a land swap to preserve the block’s affordable housing. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/request-for-host-hotel-proposals-okd-by-cib-at-seminary-pointe-activists-still-hope-for-land-swap/ BSB coverage]]

			* '''2026-04-21 College Square public offering.''' The RDC approves a public offering for the roughly two-acre College Square site, sets a $7.59 million minimum offer based on appraisals, and declines the CIB’s request for a 30-day pause to explore a Seminary Pointe land swap; responses are due July 20. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-signs-off-on-public-offering-for-college-square-declines-30-day-pause-for-land-swap-talks/ BSB coverage]]

			* '''2026-04-18 College Square price.''' The RDC’s pending public offering for College Square sets a $7.59 million minimum, while the CIB asks for a pause so it can discuss trading Seminary Pointe to the RDC in exchange for College Square as a host-hotel site. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/rdc-wants-7-5m-2/ BSB coverage]]

			* '''2026-04-15 CIB accepts parcels.''' The CIB accepts transfers of Seminary Pointe and related downtown parcels and seeks talks with the RDC about a land swap that could put the host hotel on College Square while preserving Seminary Pointe for affordable housing. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-accepts-downtown-parcels-now-seeks-talks-with-bloomington-rdc-on-land-swap-to-secure-host-hotel-site/ BSB coverage]] [[https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2024-02-21-Version-of-Capital-Improvement-Board-Interlocal-Agreement-Approved-by-Monroe-County-Commissioners-Feb-21-2024-Convention-Center.pdf copy of interlocal agreement]]

			* '''2026-04-14 County property transfer.''' The Monroe County Council approves a resolution authorizing the transfer of county-owned downtown real estate, including Seminary Pointe, to the CIB for convention-center host-hotel purposes, with council president Jennifer Crossley abstaining and the other councilors voting yes. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/monroe-county-land-transfer-to-cib-has-final-ok-with-calls-for-land-swap-to-preserve-housing-put-host-hotel-on-north-parcel/ BSB coverage]]

			* '''2026-04-06 City parking-lot transfer.''' The RDC approves transfer of city-owned parking parcels near the convention center to the CIB as part of assembling land for a host hotel; the expansion has a $52 million construction budget and an overall project budget of about $70 million. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/rd/ BSB coverage]]

			* '''2026-03-12 Seminary Pointe housing conflict.''' The revised host-hotel strategy focuses attention on Seminary Pointe, where tenants paying roughly $400–$700 in rent receive nonrenewal notices and advocates press for a land-trust or land-swap approach instead of demolition. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/revised-bloomington-convention-center-hotel-plan-collides-with-housing-affordability-crisis-at-seminary-pointe-apartments/ BSB coverage]]

			* '''2026-02-18 South-parcel commitment.''' Mayor Kerry Thomson and CIB executive director John Whikehart send a joint letter saying the administration supports processes that could make city-owned land south of the convention center available to the CIB at no cost, subject to approvals, after the prior Dora/College Square effort stalls. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/back-on-track-bloomington-mayor-commits-downtown-land-for-convention-host-hotel/ BSB coverage]] [[https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-02-18-mayor-thomson-john-whikehart-_joint-letter-from-the-City-of-Bloomington-and-Capital-Improvement-Board.pdf copy of joint letter]] [[https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/March-6-2024-Letter-to-Jim-Whitlatch-re-City-owned-real-property-for-Convention-Center-Use-OCR.pdf copy of 2024 city land letter]]

			* '''2026-02-05 Dora hotel effort ends.''' The CIB unanimously ends the current Dora Hospitality host-hotel effort after learning it does not control the south-parcel land needed for Dora’s letter of intent, and it directs staff to look for county parcels and prepare for a possible new RFP. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/no-land-no-deal-cib-ends-current-hotel-effort-when-bloomington-says-south-parcels-will-cost/ BSB coverage]] [[https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/RFP-Monroe-Convention-Center-Hotel-Developer-CIB-6-28-24_FINAL-compressed.pdf copy of 2024 hotel RFP]] [[https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/March-6-2024-Letter-to-Jim-Whitlatch-re-City-owned-real-property-for-Convention-Center-Use-OCR.pdf copy of 2024 city land letter]]

			* '''2026-01-21 Dora south-option letter.''' Dora Hospitality presents a letter of intent for a five-story, 200-room full-service hotel south of the existing convention center, seeking donated land and no additional public subsidy, and the CIB sets a Feb. 5 special meeting to review the proposal. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/feb-5-meeting-to-review-dora-south-option-convention-center-hotel-mayors-news-release-leaves-cib-head-baffled/ BSB coverage]] [[https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2026-01-21-city-of-Bloomington-news-release-Whikehart-response-on-Bunger-Robertson-Property.pdf copy of city news release and Whikehart response]] [[https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2024-02-21-Version-of-Capital-Improvement-Board-Interlocal-Agreement-Approved-by-Monroe-County-Commissioners-Feb-21-2024-Convention-Center.pdf copy of interlocal agreement]]

			=== 2025 ===

			* '''2025-12-17 Dora deadline extended.''' The CIB gives Dora Hospitality until Jan. 21, 2026, to report concrete prospects for a host-hotel real estate deal, after Bloomington RDC officials say no agreement has been reached for College Square and the funding gap remains unresolved. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/no-land-deal-yet-but-cib-keeps-dora-in-game-for-bloomington-convention-center-host-hotel-at-least-until-jan-21-2026/ BSB coverage]] [[https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2019-06-10-MCC-Final-Hunden-Hotel-Report-2019-06-10.pdf copy of Hunden hotel report]] [[https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2024-05-06-Letter-from-City-Council-Members-to-Blomington-RDC.pdf copy of 2024 council letter]]

			* '''2025-12-16 Skybridge installation closure.''' Bloomington’s Board of Public Works approves a two-week closure of College Avenue starting Jan. 26, 2026, followed by a single-lane phase through June 26, for installation of the convention center skybridge over College Avenue. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/college-avenue-to-close-for-2-weeks-starting-late-january-2026-for-bloomington-convention-center-skybridge-installation/ BSB coverage]]

			* '''2025-12-15 RDC host-hotel resolution.''' The RDC adopts an amended Resolution 25-136 supporting a convention center host hotel on the College Square property, with John West dissenting, while staff indicate no Dora deal is ready for the CIB’s Dec. 17 deadline. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/live-report-convention-center-host-hotel-hopewell-rezoning/ BSB live coverage]]

			* '''2025-12-10 Council-RDC work session.''' City council members and RDC members discuss possible use of the College Square site for a host hotel, with several council members objecting to a no-cost or low-cost land transfer and pointing to a 2024 council letter seeking to recoup the roughly $6.9 million purchase cost. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/as-convention-center-rises-bloomington-council-bristles-at-potential-host-hotel-land-donation/ BSB coverage]] [[https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2025-12-10-Packet-memo-on-host-hotel-convention-center-expansion.pdf copy of staff memo]] [[https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2025-12-10-Bloomington-redevelopment-commission-rdc-city-council-host-hotel.m4a copy of meeting audio]] [[https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2024-05-06-Letter-from-City-Council-Members-to-Blomington-RDC.pdf copy of 2024 council letter]]

			* '''2025-12-01 RDC postpones land-donation resolution.''' The RDC delays action on a resolution that could make the roughly $7 million College Square property available for a host hotel at little or no cost, after councilmembers Isabel Piedmont-Smith, Hopi Stosberg and Andy Ruff speak against the approach. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-rdc-puts-off-resolution-on-donating-real-estate-land-for-host-hotel/ BSB coverage]]

			* '''2025-11-19 Host-hotel no-deal scenario.''' The CIB discusses the possibility that Dora Hospitality and the RDC will not reach a College Square deal, while construction continues and CIB members consider whether to reduce hotel scope items such as a 3rd Street skywalk, rooftop bar and underground parking. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-braces-for-no-deal-scenario-with-preferred-hotelier-on-bloomington-convention-center/ BSB coverage]] [[https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2025-11-19-CIB-slide-deck-construction-update-.pdf copy of construction update]] [[https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/RFP-Monroe-Convention-Center-Hotel-Developer-CIB-6-28-24_FINAL-compressed.pdf copy of 2024 hotel RFP]]

			* '''2025-11-19 Construction and public art update.''' CIB project staff report that about 13% of the $2.4 million construction contingency has been used, including a $126,815 change order for deeper foundation work near a sanitary sewer, while the public-art process draws 180 applications for a $400,000 signature project. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/convention-center-notebook-extra-costs-include-foundation-change-for-sanitary-sewer-art-project-draws-180-applications/ BSB coverage]] [[https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2025-11-19-CIB-slide-deck-construction-update-.pdf copy of construction update]]

			* '''2025-10-15 Host-hotel deadline.''' The CIB unanimously gives Dora Hospitality and the RDC 60 days, until Dec. 17, to show concrete progress on a College Square land deal or risk a new hotel RFP, while Weddle Brothers reports foundation pours and incoming structural steel for the $52 million expansion. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-gives-mid-december-ultimatum-on-bloomingtons-convention-center-hotel-deal/ BSB coverage]] [[https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2024-02-21-Version-of-Capital-Improvement-Board-Interlocal-Agreement-Approved-by-Monroe-County-Commissioners-Feb-21-2024-Convention-Center.pdf copy of interlocal agreement]]

			* '''2025-09-17 Footings and alternates.''' The CIB reports that the first concrete pour for expansion footings is scheduled for Sept. 19, and it approves about $506,816 in existing-building alternates for kitchen equipment and A/V technology infrastructure after construction awards come in under the $52 million budget. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/concrete-to-be-poured-for-bloomington-convention-center-footings-city-council-oks-food-and-beverage-tax-resolution/ BSB coverage]]

			* '''2025-09-17 Food-and-beverage tax review.''' Bloomington’s city council votes 8–1, with Kate Rosenbarger dissenting, to ask the Food and Beverage Tax Advisory Commission to review the CIB’s proposed 2026 budget of $8,958,017. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/concrete-to-be-poured-for-bloomington-convention-center-footings-city-council-oks-food-and-beverage-tax-resolution/ BSB coverage]]

			* '''2025-07-30 Construction bids.''' The CIB approves the final round of construction awards, bringing total contracts to about $50.9 million, under the $52 million construction budget, with base-bid awards including Weddle Brothers, Harrell-Fish, Hagerman, Multicraft, Sowders and other contractors. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/convention-center-construction-bids-okd-under-budget-but-sewer-standoff-with-city-of-bloomington-utilities-simmers/ BSB coverage]] [[https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2025-07-30-Bloomington-convention-center-CIB-Monroe-County-Capital-Improvment-Board-BCC-CIB-07-30-2025.pdf copy of bid-award slide deck]] [[https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2025-07-16-CIB-capital-improvement-board-convention-center-BCC-CIB-07-16-2025.pdf copy of July bid slide deck]]

			* '''2025-07-30 Sewer cost dispute.''' The CIB and Bloomington Utilities continue negotiating who will pay for relocating and upsizing an 18-inch sanitary sewer to 24 inches at the expansion site, with CIB officials saying the cost should come from soft-cost funds rather than the $52 million bond construction proceeds. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/convention-center-construction-bids-okd-under-budget-but-sewer-standoff-with-city-of-bloomington-utilities-simmers/ BSB coverage]] [[https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2025-06-18-CIB-capital-improvement-board-conventtion-center-Schmidt-Associates-Update.pdf copy of design update]]

			* '''2025-06-18 Construction traffic plan.''' Bloomington’s Board of Public Works approves a maintenance-of-traffic plan for convention center construction, including lane and pedestrian changes near 3rd Street and College Avenue, while CIB members receive a briefing on the requested sanitary-sewer upsizing. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/cost-of-sewer-upgrade-at-site-of-bloomington-convention-center-expansion-to-be-negotiated-traffic-plan-for-construction-okd/ BSB coverage]] [[https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/2025-06-18-CIB-capital-improvement-board-conventtion-center-Schmidt-Associates-Update.pdf copy of design update]]

			* '''2025-06-03 Expansion groundbreaking.''' Local officials hold a ceremonial groundbreaking at 3rd Street and College Avenue for the roughly 60,000-square-foot convention center expansion, with demolition of the former NAPA building and utility relocation work moving into the construction sequence. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-area-leaders-reflect-on-long-path-to-groundbreaking-of-convention-center-expansion/ BSB coverage]]

			* '''2025-06-02 Host-hotel design funds.''' The RDC approves $300,000 for preliminary architectural designs for Dora Hospitality’s proposed host hotel at the former Bunger & Robertson site, with Randy Cassady dissenting, bringing RDC soft support for site review and design work to about $400,000. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/tens-of-millions-of-dollars-from-bloomington-could-support-convention-center-host-hotel-legal-pressure-mounts-for-showers-west-public-purpose/ BSB coverage]] [[https://bloomdocs.org/wp-content/uploads/simple-file-list/RFP-Monroe-Convention-Center-Hotel-Developer-CIB-6-28-24_FINAL-compressed.pdf copy of 2024 hotel RFP]]

	=== 2025 ===		=== 2025 ===

Chronically Dave: /* 2025 */

2025-06-04T00:52:39Z

2025

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:52, 3 June 2025
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	=== 2025 ===		=== 2025 ===
	* '''2025-06-03''' Construction. Groundbreaking ceremony held.		* '''2025-06-03''' '''Construction.''' Groundbreaking ceremony held.
	* '''2025-03-26 Real estate.''' Bloomington economic and sustainable development director Jane Kupersmith tells the CIB that a deal involving the land north of the existing convention center, formerly owned by Bunger and Robertson, could appear on the April 7, 2025 agenda for Bloomington's RDC. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-pushes-for-progress-on-hotel-deal-to-support-bloomington-convention-center-expansion-could-come-on-april-7-2/ BSB coverage]] [[https://web.archive.org/web/20250328150317/https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-pushes-for-progress-on-hotel-deal-to-support-bloomington-convention-center-expansion-could-come-on-april-7-2/ WayBM]]		* '''2025-03-26 Real estate for hotel.''' Bloomington economic and sustainable development director Jane Kupersmith tells the CIB that a deal involving the land north of the existing convention center, formerly owned by Bunger and Robertson, could appear on the April 7, 2025 agenda for Bloomington's RDC. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-pushes-for-progress-on-hotel-deal-to-support-bloomington-convention-center-expansion-could-come-on-april-7-2/ BSB coverage]] [[https://web.archive.org/web/20250328150317/https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-pushes-for-progress-on-hotel-deal-to-support-bloomington-convention-center-expansion-could-come-on-april-7-2/ WayBM]]
	* '''2025-03-05''' '''Finances.''' On a 6-0 vote, the Bloomington City Council approves $46.8 million in bonds to help fund the $70 million convention center expansion project. The debt service will be paid with food and beverage tax revenue, with economic development local income tax proceeds as a backup. The construction is expected to begin in June 2025 and be completed by February 2027. Absent from the meeting are Kate Rosenbarger, Matt Flaherty and Andy Ruff. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-oks-46-8m-bond-issuance-to-help-fund-70m-convention-center-project/ BSB coverage]] Part of the discussion prior to the vote centers on the role of labor unions and their request for a project labor agreement (PLA) with the Monroe County capital improvement board, which oversees the project. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/meeting-talk-how-has-union-labors-role-been-factored-into-construction-of-bloomington-convention-center-expansion-2/ BSB coverage]]		* '''2025-03-05''' '''Finances.''' On a 6-0 vote, the Bloomington City Council approves $46.8 million in bonds to help fund the $70 million convention center expansion project. The debt service will be paid with food and beverage tax revenue, with economic development local income tax proceeds as a backup. The construction is expected to begin in June 2025 and be completed by February 2027. Absent from the meeting are Kate Rosenbarger, Matt Flaherty and Andy Ruff. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-oks-46-8m-bond-issuance-to-help-fund-70m-convention-center-project/ BSB coverage]] Part of the discussion prior to the vote centers on the role of labor unions and their request for a project labor agreement (PLA) with the Monroe County capital improvement board, which oversees the project. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/meeting-talk-how-has-union-labors-role-been-factored-into-construction-of-bloomington-convention-center-expansion-2/ BSB coverage]]
	* '''2025-02-19''' Monroe County's capital improvement board (CIB) votes to change the name of the facility from Monroe Convention Center to Bloomington Convention Center, as it is allowed to do under the terms of the interlocal agreement.		* '''2025-02-19''' Monroe County's capital improvement board (CIB) votes to change the name of the facility from Monroe Convention Center to Bloomington Convention Center, as it is allowed to do under the terms of the interlocal agreement.

Chronically Dave: /* 2025 */

2025-06-04T00:52:03Z

2025

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:52, 3 June 2025
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	=== 2025 ===		=== 2025 ===
			* '''2025-06-03''' Construction. Groundbreaking ceremony held.
	* '''2025-03-26 Real estate.''' Bloomington economic and sustainable development director Jane Kupersmith tells the CIB that a deal involving the land north of the existing convention center, formerly owned by Bunger and Robertson, could appear on the April 7, 2025 agenda for Bloomington's RDC. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-pushes-for-progress-on-hotel-deal-to-support-bloomington-convention-center-expansion-could-come-on-april-7-2/ BSB coverage]] [[https://web.archive.org/web/20250328150317/https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-pushes-for-progress-on-hotel-deal-to-support-bloomington-convention-center-expansion-could-come-on-april-7-2/ WayBM]]		* '''2025-03-26 Real estate.''' Bloomington economic and sustainable development director Jane Kupersmith tells the CIB that a deal involving the land north of the existing convention center, formerly owned by Bunger and Robertson, could appear on the April 7, 2025 agenda for Bloomington's RDC. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-pushes-for-progress-on-hotel-deal-to-support-bloomington-convention-center-expansion-could-come-on-april-7-2/ BSB coverage]] [[https://web.archive.org/web/20250328150317/https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-pushes-for-progress-on-hotel-deal-to-support-bloomington-convention-center-expansion-could-come-on-april-7-2/ WayBM]]
	* '''2025-03-05''' '''Finances.''' On a 6-0 vote, the Bloomington City Council approves $46.8 million in bonds to help fund the $70 million convention center expansion project. The debt service will be paid with food and beverage tax revenue, with economic development local income tax proceeds as a backup. The construction is expected to begin in June 2025 and be completed by February 2027. Absent from the meeting are Kate Rosenbarger, Matt Flaherty and Andy Ruff. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-oks-46-8m-bond-issuance-to-help-fund-70m-convention-center-project/ BSB coverage]] Part of the discussion prior to the vote centers on the role of labor unions and their request for a project labor agreement (PLA) with the Monroe County capital improvement board, which oversees the project. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/meeting-talk-how-has-union-labors-role-been-factored-into-construction-of-bloomington-convention-center-expansion-2/ BSB coverage]]		* '''2025-03-05''' '''Finances.''' On a 6-0 vote, the Bloomington City Council approves $46.8 million in bonds to help fund the $70 million convention center expansion project. The debt service will be paid with food and beverage tax revenue, with economic development local income tax proceeds as a backup. The construction is expected to begin in June 2025 and be completed by February 2027. Absent from the meeting are Kate Rosenbarger, Matt Flaherty and Andy Ruff. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-oks-46-8m-bond-issuance-to-help-fund-70m-convention-center-project/ BSB coverage]] Part of the discussion prior to the vote centers on the role of labor unions and their request for a project labor agreement (PLA) with the Monroe County capital improvement board, which oversees the project. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/meeting-talk-how-has-union-labors-role-been-factored-into-construction-of-bloomington-convention-center-expansion-2/ BSB coverage]]

Chronically Dave: /* 2025 */

2025-03-28T15:04:59Z

2025

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:04, 28 March 2025
Line 7:		Line 7:
	=== 2025 ===		=== 2025 ===
	* '''2025-03-26 Real estate.''' Bloomington economic and sustainable development director Jane Kupersmith tells the CIB that a deal involving the land north of the existing convention center, formerly owned by Bunger and Robertson, could appear on the April 7, 2025 agenda for Bloomington's RDC. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-pushes-for-progress-on-hotel-deal-to-support-bloomington-convention-center-expansion-could-come-on-april-7-2/ BSB coverage]] [[https://web.archive.org/web/20250328150317/https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-pushes-for-progress-on-hotel-deal-to-support-bloomington-convention-center-expansion-could-come-on-april-7-2/ WayBM]]		* '''2025-03-26 Real estate.''' Bloomington economic and sustainable development director Jane Kupersmith tells the CIB that a deal involving the land north of the existing convention center, formerly owned by Bunger and Robertson, could appear on the April 7, 2025 agenda for Bloomington's RDC. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-pushes-for-progress-on-hotel-deal-to-support-bloomington-convention-center-expansion-could-come-on-april-7-2/ BSB coverage]] [[https://web.archive.org/web/20250328150317/https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-pushes-for-progress-on-hotel-deal-to-support-bloomington-convention-center-expansion-could-come-on-april-7-2/ WayBM]]
	* '''2025-03-05''' On a 6-0 vote, the Bloomington City Council approves $46.8 million in bonds to help fund the $70 million convention center expansion project. The debt service will be paid with food and beverage tax revenue, with economic development local income tax proceeds as a backup. The construction is expected to begin in June 2025 and be completed by February 2027. Absent from the meeting are Kate Rosenbarger, Matt Flaherty and Andy Ruff. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-oks-46-8m-bond-issuance-to-help-fund-70m-convention-center-project/ BSB coverage]] Part of the discussion prior to the vote centers on the role of labor unions and their request for a project labor agreement (PLA) with the Monroe County capital improvement board, which oversees the project. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/meeting-talk-how-has-union-labors-role-been-factored-into-construction-of-bloomington-convention-center-expansion-2/ BSB coverage]]		* '''2025-03-05''' '''Finances.''' On a 6-0 vote, the Bloomington City Council approves $46.8 million in bonds to help fund the $70 million convention center expansion project. The debt service will be paid with food and beverage tax revenue, with economic development local income tax proceeds as a backup. The construction is expected to begin in June 2025 and be completed by February 2027. Absent from the meeting are Kate Rosenbarger, Matt Flaherty and Andy Ruff. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-oks-46-8m-bond-issuance-to-help-fund-70m-convention-center-project/ BSB coverage]] Part of the discussion prior to the vote centers on the role of labor unions and their request for a project labor agreement (PLA) with the Monroe County capital improvement board, which oversees the project. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/meeting-talk-how-has-union-labors-role-been-factored-into-construction-of-bloomington-convention-center-expansion-2/ BSB coverage]]
	* '''2025-02-19''' Monroe County's capital improvement board (CIB) votes to change the name of the facility from Monroe Convention Center to Bloomington Convention Center, as it is allowed to do under the terms of the interlocal agreement.		* '''2025-02-19''' Monroe County's capital improvement board (CIB) votes to change the name of the facility from Monroe Convention Center to Bloomington Convention Center, as it is allowed to do under the terms of the interlocal agreement.
	* '''2025-01''' Bloomington plan commission and Bloomington board of zoning appeals activity. ??		* '''2025-01''' Bloomington plan commission and Bloomington board of zoning appeals activity. ??

Chronically Dave: /* 2025 */

2025-03-28T15:04:16Z

2025

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:04, 28 March 2025
Line 6:		Line 6:

	=== 2025 ===		=== 2025 ===
			* '''2025-03-26 Real estate.''' Bloomington economic and sustainable development director Jane Kupersmith tells the CIB that a deal involving the land north of the existing convention center, formerly owned by Bunger and Robertson, could appear on the April 7, 2025 agenda for Bloomington's RDC. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-pushes-for-progress-on-hotel-deal-to-support-bloomington-convention-center-expansion-could-come-on-april-7-2/ BSB coverage]] [[https://web.archive.org/web/20250328150317/https://bsquarebulletin.com/cib-pushes-for-progress-on-hotel-deal-to-support-bloomington-convention-center-expansion-could-come-on-april-7-2/ WayBM]]
	* '''2025-03-05''' On a 6-0 vote, the Bloomington City Council approves $46.8 million in bonds to help fund the $70 million convention center expansion project. The debt service will be paid with food and beverage tax revenue, with economic development local income tax proceeds as a backup. The construction is expected to begin in June 2025 and be completed by February 2027. Absent from the meeting are Kate Rosenbarger, Matt Flaherty and Andy Ruff. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-oks-46-8m-bond-issuance-to-help-fund-70m-convention-center-project/ BSB coverage]] Part of the discussion prior to the vote centers on the role of labor unions and their request for a project labor agreement (PLA) with the Monroe County capital improvement board, which oversees the project. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/meeting-talk-how-has-union-labors-role-been-factored-into-construction-of-bloomington-convention-center-expansion-2/ BSB coverage]]		* '''2025-03-05''' On a 6-0 vote, the Bloomington City Council approves $46.8 million in bonds to help fund the $70 million convention center expansion project. The debt service will be paid with food and beverage tax revenue, with economic development local income tax proceeds as a backup. The construction is expected to begin in June 2025 and be completed by February 2027. Absent from the meeting are Kate Rosenbarger, Matt Flaherty and Andy Ruff. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-oks-46-8m-bond-issuance-to-help-fund-70m-convention-center-project/ BSB coverage]] Part of the discussion prior to the vote centers on the role of labor unions and their request for a project labor agreement (PLA) with the Monroe County capital improvement board, which oversees the project. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/meeting-talk-how-has-union-labors-role-been-factored-into-construction-of-bloomington-convention-center-expansion-2/ BSB coverage]]
	* '''2025-02-19''' Monroe County's capital improvement board (CIB) votes to change the name of the facility from Monroe Convention Center to Bloomington Convention Center, as it is allowed to do under the terms of the interlocal agreement.		* '''2025-02-19''' Monroe County's capital improvement board (CIB) votes to change the name of the facility from Monroe Convention Center to Bloomington Convention Center, as it is allowed to do under the terms of the interlocal agreement.

Chronically Dave at 16:43, 16 March 2025

2025-03-16T16:43:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:43, 16 March 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[File:Scaled down Revised-2021-09-23-convention-center.jpg\|alt=The view is of an historic brick building that is kitty corner across from the photographer's vantage point. The perspective is from above, because the photo was taken from the top of a building across from the focus of the phoograph.\|border\|thumb\|400x400px\|This is a view of the Monroe Convention Center at the southwest corner of 3rd Street and College Avenue, as it stood on Sept. 9, 2021, as seen the top of the 4th Street parking garage.]]The Bloomington Convention center stands at the southwest corner of 3rd Street and College Avenue in downtown Bloomington.		[[File:Scaled down Revised-2021-09-23-convention-center.jpg\|alt=The view is of an historic brick building that is kitty corner across from the photographer's vantage point. The perspective is from above, because the photo was taken from the top of a building across from the focus of the phoograph.\|border\|thumb\|400x400px\|This is a view of the Monroe Convention Center at the southwest corner of 3rd Street and College Avenue, as it stood on Sept. 9, 2021, as seen the top of the 4th Street parking garage.]]The Bloomington Convention center stands at the southwest corner of 3rd Street and College Avenue in downtown Bloomington.

	Starting in 2017, the convention center saw renewed focus by local ~~government—Bloomington~~ and Monroe County—in their efforts to expand the building footprint and to renovate the existing facility.		Starting in 2017, the convention center saw renewed focus by local government officials—Bloomington and Monroe County—in their efforts to expand the building footprint and to renovate the existing facility.

	=== '''Timeline: Bloomington Convention Center''' ===		=== '''Timeline: Bloomington Convention Center''' ===

Chronically Dave: /* Timeline */

2025-03-16T16:38:15Z

Timeline

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:38, 16 March 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
	[[File:Scaled down Revised-2021-09-23-convention-center.jpg\|alt=The view is of an historic brick building that is kitty corner across from the photographer's vantage point. The perspective is from above, because the photo was taken from the top of a building across from the focus of the phoograph.\|border\|thumb\|400x400px\|This is a view of the Monroe Convention Center at the southwest corner of 3rd Street and College Avenue, as it stood on Sept. 9, 2021, as seen the top of the 4th Street parking garage.]]The ~~Monroe~~ Convention center stands at the southwest corner of 3rd Street and College Avenue in downtown Bloomington.		[[File:Scaled down Revised-2021-09-23-convention-center.jpg\|alt=The view is of an historic brick building that is kitty corner across from the photographer's vantage point. The perspective is from above, because the photo was taken from the top of a building across from the focus of the phoograph.\|border\|thumb\|400x400px\|This is a view of the Monroe Convention Center at the southwest corner of 3rd Street and College Avenue, as it stood on Sept. 9, 2021, as seen the top of the 4th Street parking garage.]]The Bloomington Convention center stands at the southwest corner of 3rd Street and College Avenue in downtown Bloomington.

	Starting in 2017, the convention center saw renewed focus by local government—Bloomington and Monroe County—in their efforts to expand the building footprint and to renovate the existing facility.		Starting in 2017, the convention center saw renewed focus by local government—Bloomington and Monroe County—in their efforts to expand the building footprint and to renovate the existing facility.

	=== '''Timeline''' ===		=== '''Timeline: Bloomington Convention Center''' ===

			=== 2025 ===
	* '''2025-03-05''' On a 6-0 vote, the Bloomington City Council approves $46.8 million in bonds to help fund the $70 million convention center expansion project. The debt service will be paid with food and beverage tax revenue, with economic development local income tax proceeds as a backup. The construction is expected to begin in June 2025 and be completed by February 2027. Absent from the meeting are Kate Rosenbarger, Matt Flaherty and Andy Ruff. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-oks-46-8m-bond-issuance-to-help-fund-70m-convention-center-project/ BSB coverage]] Part of the discussion prior to the vote centers on the role of labor unions and their request for a project labor agreement (PLA) with the Monroe County capital improvement board, which oversees the project. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/meeting-talk-how-has-union-labors-role-been-factored-into-construction-of-bloomington-convention-center-expansion-2/ BSB coverage]]		* '''2025-03-05''' On a 6-0 vote, the Bloomington City Council approves $46.8 million in bonds to help fund the $70 million convention center expansion project. The debt service will be paid with food and beverage tax revenue, with economic development local income tax proceeds as a backup. The construction is expected to begin in June 2025 and be completed by February 2027. Absent from the meeting are Kate Rosenbarger, Matt Flaherty and Andy Ruff. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/bloomington-council-oks-46-8m-bond-issuance-to-help-fund-70m-convention-center-project/ BSB coverage]] Part of the discussion prior to the vote centers on the role of labor unions and their request for a project labor agreement (PLA) with the Monroe County capital improvement board, which oversees the project. [[https://bsquarebulletin.com/meeting-talk-how-has-union-labors-role-been-factored-into-construction-of-bloomington-convention-center-expansion-2/ BSB coverage]]
	* '''2025-02-19''' Monroe County's capital improvement board (CIB) votes to change the name of the facility from Monroe Convention Center to Bloomington Convention Center, as it is allowed to do under the terms of the interlocal agreement.		* '''2025-02-19''' Monroe County's capital improvement board (CIB) votes to change the name of the facility from Monroe Convention Center to Bloomington Convention Center, as it is allowed to do under the terms of the interlocal agreement.

Chronically Dave at 16:37, 16 March 2025

2025-03-16T16:37:23Z

Show changes