By HOI ABC

BLOOMINGTON – One of Bloomington’s most iconic buildings is receiving local landmark status, making its much harder for it to be demolished.

Without discussion, the city council voted unanimously Monday night to declare the former State Farm headquarters a landmark. That means the building’s new owner needs government permission to make changes to the exterior of the art deco style skyscraper that dates back to 1928.

Public hearings would be held before the Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission on any proposed exterior changes, and then the city council would have the final say.

State Farm considered demolishing the 13-story building after vacating it in 2018. Instead, State Farm sold the building to Urban Equity Properties.

Keplr Vision, the parent company of All About Eyes, signed a lease to occupy a portion of the building.

Council ratifies union contract with Bloomington firefighters

Bloomington firefighters have a new union contract with the city.

The council voted unanimously Monday night to approve a four-year deal, and a union leader noted that talks went so well that an agreement was reached before current contract expires on April 30.

According to the union, members voted 55-1 to ratify the contract that gives them a 2.5% pay increase the first year and 2.25% pay hikes in each of the following three years.

The cost to the city over the four years is almost $878,000, according to the staff’s report to the council.

Bloomington firefighters are represented by Local 49 of the International Association of Firefighters.