County officials to review plan for Bloomington project

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) - An advisory commission has chosen a proposal for a new convention center and hotel development in downtown Bloomington.

Monroe County commissioners on Wednesday will review the proposal the project's advisory commission supported, The Herald-Times reported .

The advisory commission reviewed four project proposals Monday.

The plan the commission chose includes a 224-room hotel, a 30,000-square-foot banquet hall, a 450-car parking garage and a 40,000-square-foot exposition hall. It also calls for sky bridges to connect the garage and exposition hall.

Bloomington Deputy Mayor Mick Renneisen, who serves on the advisory commission, said the proposal makes use of the space and allows for future expansion because nearby land is owned by either the county or the city.

County officials have considered expanding the convention center for years, but they're now taking steps to make the project a reality.

"We have never gotten this far along in my 11-plus years," said Pat Stoffers, a county commissioner.

The county began seeking proposals from private developers in April. Commissioners decided to partner with Indianapolis-based Sun Development and Management Corp.

The entire project could cost $72 million. Sun Development would fund about half of the project.

"The development of the hotel and all costs associated with the hotel are on Sun Development," said John Whikehart, a member of the advisory commission. "That is all the responsibility of the private hotel developer."

The Embassy Suites hotel is expected to cost $37 million.

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Information from: The Herald Times, http://www.heraldtimesonline.com