Renner: Downtown Bloomington losing its skyline

Posted on July 19, 2019
State Farm
State Farm’s downtown Bloomington office building served as the insurance company’s corporate headquarters until 1974. (WJBC file photo)

 

By Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner was surprised but not shocked when State Farm announced Thursday it plans to demolish its former downtown headquarters after a planned sale fell through.

“This is obviously sad news because the building has a great historical significance and it really is our skyline in downtown Bloomington,” said Renner.

Renner said State Farm and the city worked hard to find a buyer for the building located at 112 E. Washington St.

The city’s new zoning code may not allow the building to be demolished, but that will be determined in the coming weeks, according to Renner.

Renner said regardless of what happens, the city will make sure the downtown area continues to grow.

“That’s a critical piece of property and the city is going to do absolutely everything we can to make sure it has its highest and best use for economic development.”

State Farm said it plans to start demolition within a few months.  The building served as the insurer’s headquarters until 1974.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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