Normal approves expansion of town limits for Rivian Automotive

Posted on May 4, 2021
The company said the canopy will be close to 60,000 feet and almost 19 feet high at its peak. (Photo courtesy: Heart of Illinois ABC)

By Heart of Illinois ABC

BLOOMINGTON – Another 380 acres were added to the Town of Normal Monday evening to allow Rivian Automotive to expand their operations further.

By unanimous vote, council approved the addition.

Also by unanimous vote, council approved rezoning 320 acres of the land from agricultural use to manufacturing.

All of the council members said people may not yet realize how great this would be for the town, down the road.

“I think that the regional draw of Rivian is real and I think it’s something that people recognize in the benefit as they continue to look to grow in the town of Normal,” said Council Member Scott Preston.

Rivian has announced plans two building additions, new access to the plant on West College Avenue, and an outbound vehicle charging canopy covered with solar panels north of the factory.

The company said the canopy will be close to 60,000 feet and almost 19 feet high at its peak.

Heart of Illinois ABC can be reached at [email protected]. 

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