Bloomington, September 18, 2025
News Summary
The Bloomington Convention Center expansion is advancing as demolition and foundation work are underway. Key updates include the imminent first concrete pour and a recently approved funding resolution. The project aims to increase capacity with modern meeting space and a new hotel, enhancing local economic impact. The groundbreaking ceremony is set for June, with completion anticipated in the coming years.
Bloomington Convention Center Expansion Progressing Towards Milestone Concrete Pour
The expansion of the Bloomington Convention Center is moving forward with significant progress as demolition work and foundation excavations are currently underway. This development is taking place on the block south of 3rd Street, situated between College Avenue and Walnut. The old NAPA Auto Parts building at the corner of 3rd and Walnut Streets was demolished in the third week of July to make way for this expansion project.
On September 17, 2025, Andrew Scere, project manager with Weddle Brothers, provided an update to Monroe County’s Capital Improvement Board (CIB). Currently, the foundation excavations for the expansion are in progress, and an important milestone is approaching with the first concrete pour scheduled for Friday.
The CIB treasurer, Geoff McKim, remarked that later that same evening, the city council would consider a resolution to request the Food and Beverage Tax Advisory Commission (FABTAC) to review funding for the CIB’s 2026 budget. It is important to note that while FABTAC is required by state law to conduct this funding review, they do not have the power to approve or deny it.
Financing for the convention center expansion will primarily utilize the city’s share of a 1% countywide food and beverage tax revenue; however, it is not outlined in the CIB’s 2026 budget. The CIB’s total budget stands at $8,958,017, addressing “other” services such as testing, environmental services, utility connections, and construction testing.
The city council voted 8-1 in favor of the funding resolution, with Kate Rosenbarger as the only dissenting vote. Rosenbarger had expressed concerns about public support for the convention center expansion.
The construction bids allotted for the project total $50.9 million, which leaves $1.1 million available for optional bid alternates. Six bid alternates were considered for the existing convention center, with recommendations highlighted for acquiring additional kitchen equipment and enhancing audio-visual technology, which were deemed critical for meeting current demands.
Eddie Layton from the project architectural firm Schmidt Associates indicated that the existing kitchen would mainly function as a warming kitchen and would be upgraded to comply with current health codes. The CIB is expected to review the remaining four alternates over the upcoming weeks.
The Bloomington Convention Center is set to boast over 70,000 square feet of modern meeting and event space, totaling more than 100,000 square feet. Since its opening in 1991, the current Monroe Convention Center has hosted over 500 events annually. This expansion aims to cater to larger groups, accommodating gatherings of up to 600 attendees. Additionally, it includes plans for a 225-room host hotel that will be developed alongside the convention center.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the revamped Bloomington Convention Center is scheduled for June 3, with hopes for the expansion to be completed by 2027. This initiative is anticipated to enhance the economic impact on local businesses significantly.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is currently happening with the Bloomington Convention Center expansion?
The demolition of the old NAPA Auto Parts building occurred in July, and foundation excavations are currently underway with the first concrete pour scheduled for Friday.
What is the total budget for the CIB?
The CIB’s budget is $8,958,017, primarily covering services like testing, environmental services, utility connections, and construction testing.
How much is allocated for construction bids?
The awarded construction bids for the project total $50.9 million, with $1.1 million available for optional bid alternates.
When is the groundbreaking ceremony for the new convention center?
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Bloomington Convention Center is scheduled for June 3.
Key Features of the Bloomington Convention Center Expansion
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Current Convention Center Year Opened | 1991 |
| Total Area After Expansion | Over 100,000 square feet |
| Modern Meeting Space | Over 70,000 square feet |
| Event Capacity | Up to 600 attendees |
| Host Hotel | 225-room hotel |
| Projected Completion | 2027 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- B Square Bulletin: Bloomington Convention Center Update
- IDS News: Bloomington Convention Center Name Change
- Herald Times: Groundbreaking for Convention Center Expansion
- Google Search: Bloomington Convention Center expansion
- Wikipedia: Convention center
Author: Construction FL News
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