Bloomington continuing research on possible downtown hotel

Posted on January 31, 2015

Three Bloomington aldermen said a downtown hotel is something which still needs more research. (Zach Dietmeier/WJBC)

By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington continues to research the possibility of a hotel in the downtown area, but there are a large number of hard questions which need to be answered.

That's according to David Sage who, along with aldermen Scott Black and Karen Schmidt, addressed the issue during a public budget meeting this week.

"One thing that the folks in my ward are telling me, and I'm sure Scott and Karen are hearing the same, we can't have a replay of the (U.S. Cellular) Coliseum," Sage said.

Black agreed with Sage.

"A downtown hotel is a conversation that I'm more open to have with any private investors. I think we need to do what we can to help spur development," said Black. "But if it comes with a substantial taxpayer subsidy I don't think that's something anybody has the appetite for."

Schmidt added her thoughts, saying right now the city is speaking at a "very high" level about a downtown hotel and more details need to be filled in before any serious action can be taken.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].

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