Bloomington’s Forge development progresses with final beam ceremony
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Bloomington business leaders and public officials on Thursday celebrated the placement of the final steel beam on the city’s newest office building intended to spur tech innovation and startups.
The three-story, Class A office space in the southeast corner of the city’s Trades District is heralded as a critical part of Bloomington not-for-profit business accelerator The Mill’s vision for the district and area. The tech center will be both a space accommodating to startups and a coworking space for remote workers.
Construction on the development started in October. The tech center is planned to open in January 2025 with a goal of 50% occupancy achieved that year. Space will be available for lease starting Nov. 1, 2024.
“This project isn’t just about buildings and businesses,” John Fernandez, senior vice president of innovation and strategic partnerships at The Mill, said in a news release. “It’s about building a future where Bloomington thrives as a center for innovation and opportunity. And the best part? This future is under construction right now, right here in Bloomington.”
Stakeholders each signed the final beam before it was hoisted by a crane and welded into place in what they called a “Topping Off” ceremony.
Leaders also hope it serves as a landmark on the 84-mile corridor that runs from Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division to Indianapolis. The federal Economic Development Administration estimates the project will create 530 jobs and generate $51 million in private investment.
The Mill is leading the effort to build the city’s Trades District, which it says has been updated with new green branding. The Trades District Advisory Board, which is comprised of local business stakeholders, recommended the refresh.
Other developments are moving along in the tech park. A boutique hotel project is moving through the proposal process, and a mixed-use housing development is interested in another lot.