BLOOMINGTON – Members of Bloomington’s tech community joined together with civic and private sector leaders to celebrate a groundbreaking for the Trades District Tech Center today.
The Trades District Tech Center is a new, 22,000 square foot, sustainably designed building that will provide much-needed office space for Bloomington’s growing tech sector. The project is funded in part by a $3.5 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), as well as matching funds from the City of Bloomington.
“The Trades District Tech Center is a major investment in Bloomington’s future,” said Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton. “This new facility will provide much-needed office space for our growing tech sector, and it will help us to attract and retain top talent. We are grateful to the EDA for their support of this important project.”
The Trades District Tech Center is part of a larger vision to transform Bloomington’s Trades District into a vibrant hub for technology and innovation. The project is expected to create hundreds of new jobs and generate millions of dollars in economic activity for the community. The new building will be located at 617 N Madison Street and is expected to be completed by December, 2024.
“The Trades District Tech Center is a critical piece of our vision for a modern, sustainable urban neighborhood that nurtures creativity and entrepreneurship,” said Pat East, Executive Director of The Mill. “This project will help us to brand Bloomington as a lively tech sector hub and attract private investment, employment, and visitors.”
The development of the Trades District Tech Center comes at an opportune time to leverage major new federal investments such as NSWC Crane / Westgate, to the south, and 16 Tech in downtown Indianapolis.
The groundbreaking ceremony featured remarks from Pat East, Executive Director, The Mill; Larry Allen, Deputy Mayor, City of Bloomington; Sue Sgambelluri, President, Bloomington Common Council; Dianne Powell, Regional Director, US Senator Todd Young; Jen Pearl, President, Bloomington Economic Development Corporation; and John Fernandez, Senior Vice President, The Mill.
About the Trades District
The Trades District is a former industrial area in Bloomington that is being transformed into a vibrant hub for technology and innovation. The district is home to a growing number of tech companies, startups, and coworking spaces. The Trades District Tech Center is the latest addition to the district and will provide much-needed office space for Bloomington’s growing tech sector.
About The Mill
The Mill is a Bloomington-based nonprofit organization that is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and building a thriving community for innovation. The Mill provides workspace, educational programs, and other resources to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. The Mill is also a leader in the development of the Trades District Tech Center.
