Correction: A previous version of this article listed Core Spaces, LLC as the project owner. The project owner is Brownfields IV, LLC. Core Spaces was incorrectly listed in the Bloomington plan commission's online packet.
The long-vacant Monroe Oil building downtown will be given new life as a restaurant and banquet hall.
Bloomington’s plan commission on Monday approved project owner Brownfields IV, LLC's request to repurpose the building near the intersection of South Morton and West First Streets and east of the B-Line trail.
Once complete, the building will include a patio for outdoor dining. The plans stipulate the patio connect directly to the B-line and bike lanes be installed along the trail and near the building. Any work on the trail or other parks property must be approved by the city’s parks commission, however.
Property owner Rudy Fields said a vendor has not been selected yet but believes a restaurant would revitalize the area.
“This building is remarkable,” he said. “It’s just cool, and it’s just got a real neat vibe. If we can find the right people to come in there, I think we can do something that’ll just rock.”
The restaurant and event space will make up a combined 14,170 square feet. Also included in the plans is the installation of 36 parking spaces on the property.
Approval of the plans was contingent on several conditions, one of which is a requirement to remove an existing sidewalk along First Street and to install a wider sidewalk and tree plot along the front of the property.
