BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) — Construction is officially underway on a major redevelopment project in downtown Bloomington.
The former State Farm headquarters building is being transformed into the new GJ Lofts apartment complex. The project is being led by Urban Equity Properties out of Rockford.
Bloomington Mayor Dan Brady said the project has been years in the making and marks a major step forward for the city’s downtown.
“Well, it’s a great day in Bloomington once again and focus into the downtown,” Brady said. “And with now the redevelopment of the actual reality of the redevelopment of what will soon be the new GJ Lofts apartment complex.”
Brady said the building, first built in 1929, has long been an icon in downtown Bloomington. He said State Farm had once considered demolishing the historic structure before redevelopment plans began moving forward.
“And so to think of that as being saved, being turned into housing, which is one of the critical things that we need within the city of Bloomington, and bringing a component of retail and a component of dining to it is very, very, very exciting for all of Bloomington,” Brady said.
The project is expected to bring housing, retail space and dining options to the building. Brady said plans include rooftop dining, residential units throughout the middle floors and retail space on the lower level.
He said the redevelopment fits into the city’s larger vision for downtown Bloomington.
“It fits just perfect. It’s a big piece of the puzzle,” Brady said. “This building, first built in, I believe 1929, was the icon in downtown Bloomington, the first State Farm headquarters, if you will. And now to see that not only is it saved versus being demolished, but it’s going to have a new life.”
Brady said the city hopes the project will help bring more residents, businesses and visitors to the downtown area.
He also said the development could encourage more future investment downtown, especially with work also planned for the Park Plaza garage across the street, which will serve as a parking component for the project.
“There’s no doubt when Urban Equity stepped to the plate and showed that investment, when financial institutions showed that investment and show what’s going to be done in downtown Bloomington, not only this building, but across the street,” Brady said.
The mayor said the project shows what can happen when the city, developers and financial partners work together.
He said Monday’s construction kickoff sends a strong message about where downtown Bloomington is headed.
“Well, I think it says that about the future, downtown Bloomington is very, very bright,” Brady said. “You’ve got people that want to invest in it. You’ve got people that want to deal with the issues that we have as far as housing goes. You’ve got people that want to help with retail. You have people that want to help from the social aspect of things and dining and fine dining.”
Brady said the city looks forward to seeing the project move from construction to completion over the next few years.
WMBD TV first reported this story. You can read the original story online at CIProud.com.
