Politics and Government

Bloomington Council Hears From Developers

WGLT

Published October 19, 2015 at 11:34 PM CDT

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Developer Jeff Giebelhausen presents his ideas to the Bloomington City Council during a committee meeting.

Michael Hill / WGLT

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The "Front N Center" building in downtown Bloomington is a part of Jeff Giebelhausen's proposals.

Michael Hill / WGLT

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The Commerce Bank building in downtown Bloomington is a part of Jeff Giebelhausen's proposals.

Michael Hill / WGLT

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Developer David Bentley presents his ideas to the Bloomington City Council during a committee meeting.

Michael Hill / WGLT

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A bird's eye view of a boutique hotel proposed by David Bentley at the current Pantagraph building and adjacent property.

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A view of the north facing entrance to a boutique hotel proposed by David Bentley at the current Pantagraph building and adjacent property.

Developers are looking at investing in downtown Bloomington, with help from the public sector. Bloomington Aldermen heard from Jeff Giebelhausen and David Bentley during a committee meeting. Each developer had a different proposal for the area.

Giebelhausen is continuing to look at redeveloping the Front and Center block with a possible hotel, along with some other options. Bentley wants to build a hotel at the Pantagraph building and upgrade his other properties in the same district. When addressing the idea of a downtown hotel, he said people need a place to stay in the area.

Both plans are described as public/private partnerships. Giebelhausen said development projects, such as the ones proposed for downtown Bloomington, can't be done without help from the local government.

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Bloomington city staff will work with the developers to iron out the details on each proposal. They'll provide more information to the council by the end of the year.