BLOOMINGTON — The former IU Health Bloomington Hospital site has sat as a grassy field since the hospital's demolition. The city wants to build hundreds of affordable housing units on the site, but none of them are intended for students first.
"What has been lacking is the local housing for people who live and work in Bloomington," said Bloomington mayor Kerry Thomson. "That is my focus."
The site, which was renamed the Hopewell neighborhood, does not have any new housing under construction yet.
The Bloomington Redevelopment Commission rejected all of the requests for proposals it received for a portion of the Hopewell site on June 30. Instead, the city selected a developer who will focus on building workforce housing first.
"It's very important for me not to do it quickly, but to do it right," Thomson said. "It should not be all wealthy people who can live within walking distance of our downtown."
Thomson said construction on the housing could start in the next six months.
Becky Markis and Linda Zimmer both live across the street from the former hospital.
"All three of my children were born here," Markis said. "I'm excited to see what's next."
"I've worked at the hospital for 20-something years as a volunteer, then watched it get picked away as it was demolished," Zimmer said.
Both Markis and Zimmer are eager for Bloomington to build more affordable housing, especially if it is in their neighborhood.
"I hope it helps a lot," Markis said. "I hope it helps people who otherwise wouldn't afford purchasing a home an opportunity to do that."
"I don't know if I'll be here when it happens on account of my age, but hopefully it will turn out to be something special," Zimmer said. "It seems slow, but that's how progress is, too. I understand that."
Bloomington has already built a park, Hopewell Commons, for the new neighborhood. Additionally, the Bloomington Police Department hopes to turn an abandoned medical office building in Hopewell into its new headquarters.
-
"Behind The Hype: WRTV Investigates GLP-1 Meds" (Full Special)
WRTV Investigates Kara Kenney digs into the benefits and costs associated with GLP-1 medications. Watch our full special "Behind The Hype: WRTV Investigates GLP-1 Meds".
Indiana Showcase celebrates figure skating talent across the state
Skaters of all ages took to the ice at Holliday Park to celebrate state champions, community, and Olympic dreams ahead of the 2026 Winter Games.
IU QB Mendoza’s Miami roots collide with Mario Cristobal ahead of championship
Monday night’s championship sets up a full-circle moment: the son of a former offensive lineman lining up against his father’s high school teammate, this time with a national title on the line.
Huff's career-high 29 points power Pacers to a 127-119 win over the Pelicans
Center Jay Huff had a career-best 29 points and nine rebounds and led five players in double figures as the Indiana Pacers beat the New Orleans Pelicans 127-119 on Friday night.
