Developers will have to wait until at least February to see if the proposed six story hotel on Bloomington's Kirkwood Avenue will move forward. Planning commission members had second thoughts after more than ten church members argued the project would take up all the surface lots they've been allowed to park on for years.
First Christian Church Reverend Bruce Ervin says the developers waited too long to get them involved in discussions, especially considering how long the proposal has been on the table.
"We are neighbors; we consult together in this town," he says.
First Christian Church Pastor Helen Hempfling says the proposal doesn't have the small, eclectic feel Kirkwood Avenue is known for.
"We hear that precedent is being set by other hotels that are downtown, similar scope, similar size – these hotels are not on the downtown Kirkwood corridor," she says.
Others just didn't like the design.
"This is a big box. Any way you look at it, any rendering of glass or set-backs, it's a big box," says First Presbyterian Church member Don Hollinger.
Hotel petitioner Timothy Franzen says because the hotel occupancy would fluctuate, he can't guarantee a certain number of open spaces for Sunday church. He did agree with the commission that closed off empty lots is not something anyone wants to see, so they'd be willing to figure out a better plan. But in terms with the building size, he says a smaller hotel would not be sustainable.
Some questioned whether the hotel is sustainable at all since state law prohibits alcohol sales within 200 feet of a church or school. Franzen says he's looking at options including possibly hiring a licensed caterer to serve alcohol at private events.
Commission member Chris Sturbaum doesn't support the hotel. He says it belongs across from the convention center.
Church members and developers have two months to see if they can work out their differences.