Convention Center expansion picking up steam

What this episode covers

Trees have been cut down, parking barriers installed, and plans are underway for construction to begin in June on the expansion of the convention center in downtown Bloomington. Even the name has changed, from the Monroe Convention Center to the Bloomington Convention Center. It’s taken almost a decade to get the expansion project to this point. The plan includes a 61,000-square foot building across College Avenue from the current convention center, along with renovations to the current building. That includes a full-service kitchen that could serve close to 2,000 people, a bus pull-off with Third Street corridor alignment, a loading dock ramp, relocation of utilities, and a climate-friendly green roof. The two buildings will be connected by a skybridge over College Avenue. One sticking point in the project is with the planned hotel on site. Dora Hospitality has been approved to build the new hotel, but it’s still in discussions with the city and county on exactly where the hotel will be built. That could delay the opening of the hotel until after the convention center is operational. Some are concerned about having enough parking in the immediate area, but CIB president John Whikehart doesn’t think that will be a problem with the lots already owned and the nearby Fourth Street Garage. On this week’s Noon Edition, we’ll discuss where the Bloomington Convention Center expansion project stands, the economic impact for the county and more. Join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to [email protected].   You can also record your questions and send them in through email.  Guests John Whikehart, President, Capital Improvement Board Jim Silberstein, Board member, Capital Improvement Board Christopher Emge, Senior Director of Government and Community Relations, Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce