Barriers and fencing are going up next week around the site of the Bloomington Convention Center expansion.
According to the Capital Improvement Board, which manages the project, demolition of the NAPA building is planned for the week of July 7. Excavation and foundation laying will continue through September.
The board is planning for a January 2027 opening.
Lane closures will include 3rd Street’s southern eastbound lane, College Avenue’s eastern parking lane, and Walnut Street’s left turn lane.
Pedestrian pathways will be maintained and accessible, according to the board.
The expansion will cost just over $50 million for construction and about $20 million for internal work such as light fixtures and decorations.
Jane Kupersmith, director of Bloomington’s Economic and Sustainable Development department, said the Redevelopment Commission authorized spending$100,000 to investigate the viability of a future hotel site. Dora Hospitality wants to build the new hotel at the former Bunger and Roberston site, which is owned by the Redevelopment Commission. The commission also authorized spending $300,000 for preliminary design work. The firm will be Luminaut Design of Indianapolis.
The next board meeting is July 16.