BLOOMINGTON — The Trades District, a collaboration with The Mill and the City of Bloomington, is thrilled to announce the signing of a lease to establish a Bloomington office for Energy Sciences Network (ESnet), the provider of high-performance networking and innovative services to the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) scientific research ecosystem. ESnet’s decision to build a presence in the Trades District marks a significant milestone in the district’s evolution into a thriving center for technology and innovation.
ESnet is funded by the DOE Office of Science and stewarded by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley, CA, where ESnet’s central office is located. Its hybrid workforce is spread across all six U.S. time zones. ESnet is a nationwide network connecting the DOE’s 17 national laboratories and 28 user facilities, including multiple large-scale scientific instruments. Its experts work on advanced and emerging IP, high-speed optical networking, network automation, cybersecurity, data measurement, and analysis, and more on behalf of ESnet’s vision: to free scientific progress from the constraints of the physical location of instruments, people, computational resources, or data.
John Fernandez, Senior Vice President of Innovation & Strategic Partnerships at The Mill, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. “ESnet is a solid tenant that perfectly aligns with the vision of the Trades District. Their presence will bring high-paying tech jobs, enhance access to talent from Indiana University, and foster community engagement within the district.”
ESnet Network Services Lead Jon-Paul Herron, a Bloomington resident and member of the Trades District Advisory Board, highlighted the benefits for both ESnet and the city. “ESnet is excited to establish a central home for our local staff and other Berkeley Lab colleagues that will enable us to connect more easily with the many experts in this community,” said Herron. “We look forward to contributing to Bloomington’s technological and economic development.”
The Trades District, formerly an industrial area, is undergoing a transformation into a dynamic center for technology and innovation through public and private investment. Home to a burgeoning tech sector, startups, and coworking spaces, the district continues to attract leading organizations like ESnet, further solidifying its role in shaping Bloomington’s economic landscape.
Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thomson emphasized the significance of ESnet’s arrival. “We are delighted to welcome ESnet to Bloomington and the Trades District,” Mayor Thomson stated. “Their presence will not only strengthen our position as a hub for innovation but also contribute to the growth and prosperity of our community.”
John Fernandez will present the lease resolution to the Redevelopment Commission on Monday, May 20th, seeking their approval of the agreement.
