8 Bit Beercade, which currently has a location in Peoria, plans to open in mid-November pending the approval of a liquor license by the Bloomington City Council.
The downtown bar would feature over 50 games, as well as craft beers, and is planned to be open seven days a week. The location would not have video gambling machines. The Bloomington Liquor Commission unanimously approved the license last month.
The council will also participate in a public hearing for a TIF district in the area that includes the Front and Center block, which was the site of a proposed downtown hotel from developer Jeff Giebelhausen.
Another public hearing will be held prior to a vote that would allow McLean County to use a portion of Main Street, between Olive Street and Front Street, to expand the Law and Justice Center. If approved, the county would be responsible for the costs of moving public utilities that currently use that part of Main Street.