Convention center outdoor patio expansion render. (Schmidt Associates, Convergence Design)
Groundbreaking for the Bloomington Convention Center expansion project starts Tuesday.
The project is funded by Monroe County food and beverage tax revenue and managed by the Capital Improvement Board. A new, 61,000-square foot building will be built across College Avenue from the current convention center, the site of Tuesday’s groundbreaking ceremony. A skybridge will connect the old and new buildings.
John Whikehart, president of the board, said it is mindful of potential tariff impacts but is confident the project’s finances will not be affected.
“Our charge as a board and our commitment as a board is we will not exceed in any way the budget that we've been given to work with,” he said.
Related: Demolition begins, groundbreaking scheduled for convention center expansion
Temporary sidewalk closures are expected during construction workdays, but they will reopen after the workday is complete.
Whikehart said the skybridge connecting both buildings will be delivered in pieces and shouldn’t cause any major traffic delays.
“We anticipate that can be done pretty much over a weekend,” he said. “So, we don't anticipate traffic or sidewalk closure issues that should be of major concern.”
Read more: Convention Center expansion picking up steam
Whikehart also said construction is expected to take about 18 months and the board is aiming for a Jan. 1, 2027, opening.
“You know, there have been a lot of people involved in this project over the years,” he said. “It's critically important for us to acknowledge that, that our elected officials have been able to set aside whatever differences they may have had over the years about this project and come together and realize it's economic benefits for our community. I congratulate them for their thoughtfulness and their vision.”
