The Forge, part of the Bloomington Trades District Development, installed the final steel beam as part of a “topping off” ceremony for the structure. People in attendance signed the steel beam before it was installed.
John Fernandez, Senior Vice President for Innovation and Strategic Partnerships at the Mill, said today was a big milestone for the building.
“We did a topping off ceremony, which is an opportunity to really generate some excitement, to thank a lot of the people who've been involved in this project, like getting to this point,” Fernandez said.
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Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thomson spoke before the beam was installed. She was not yet mayor when the ground broke on the project last October.
“It’s been a long-time dream, and we’re finally coming to fruition,” she said. “And I know what’s been growing at The Mill is going to grow even bigger over here.”
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The Forge is located at the Trades District’s southeast corner. Right now, it’s next to an empty lot. That land is planned to be used for a mixed-use neighborhood with work and recreation opportunities for young professionals. The building, once finished, will be a 22,000-square-foot multi-tenant office building.
“The city's commitment to the trades district is super important in terms of our ability to create a hub here, for more new companies that can grow, create jobs for people, create wealth for the community, so that we can continue to invest in quality of life,” Fernandez said.
Originally slated to be finished next January, Fernandez said the building is ahead of schedule and under budget. He said The Forge is scheduled to be complete by late October.
