By WMBD-TV

BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington City Council unanimously voted to approve the revamping of the city’s downtown.

The project will increase accessibility to community members of all walks of life, and update infrastructure.

Cody Hendricks, Ward 6 city councilman, said it’s time for Bloomington to invest in itself.

“I think people just see that now is the time for Bloomington to take this step. We have seen a lot of the great success of Uptown Normal, we’re not going to be uptown, we’re going to be downtown, but I think a lot of people feel like now’s the time,” he said.

Phase one of the three-phase project is expected to start in Fall 2024, pending the project’s drawings being approved.

The first phase of the project is priced at $12.9 million and will include practical updates such as gutters, sidewalks, curbs, ramps, benches, and bike racks. Entertainment items like new lighting and an outdoor amphitheater, and new areas for community art and games.

“We’re going to see a lot of work when it comes to infrastructure,” Hendricks said. “That was a really big push is that, yes its beautifying and yes its enhancing our downtown but it’s something like 49 cents of every dollar spent is going to go to infrastructure.”

Other phases will include outdoor play areas, outdoor projection to bring the front of the courthouse alive, and outdoor seating and dining.

“By doing this first step and enhancing the infrastructure, or making it more accessible, increasing event space, both around the square and in the north main area. Downtown is going to be a place people want to come, not just on Saturdays for the farmer’s market,” Hendricks said.

To check out all three phases, visit Downtown for Everyone.

WMBD-TV can be reached at [email protected].