The Bloomington Convention Center expansion is moving into full gear. Last month's groundbreaking ceremony kicked off utility relocation work, though officials are still waiting for construction permits.
One lane of Third Street will be closed, and a pedestrian walk-around is needed to begin building the $52 million expansion.
Capital Improvement Board (CIB) president John Whikehart said the demolition of the former NAPA building was scheduled for Friday, but workers are waiting for a permit.
At Wednesday’s CIB meeting, project leaders presented a proposal to replace a sewer main under the south side of the site for future growth.
Project manager Deb Kunce said it would keep the city from having to close the center and dig it up years from now.
“Why is this part of our project and how is it going to be paid for? So, that is yet to be determined, which is why our CBU permit has a contingency on it,” Kunce said, adding that she expects more answers during the July meeting.
The board approved two rounds of bids of almost $10 million. The bids came in at about $1.5 million under budget estimates, but Whikehart said it’s still early.
“As excited as we are to see those bids are under what we budgeted, just a reminder that this is 20% of the project,” he said.
The bids cover ground improvements, concrete, and steel. The final round of bids for the rest of the construction should be ready for approval in July.
Weddle Bros is the construction company in charge that will hire the subcontractors to begin work.
Economic and Sustainable Development Director Jane Kupersmith updated the board on the companion hotel by Dora Hospitality.
She said the Redevelopment Commission authorized $100,000 to investigate and complete due diligence of the proposed hotel site and $300,000 for preliminary architectural design. The firm will be Luminaut Design of Indianapolis.
The next CIB meeting is July 16.
