Positioned at the heart of Bloomington, the Trades District serves as a technological hub, with its 12 acres of land once acting as a manufacturing site for the Showers Brothers Furniture factory. Today, the district is attracting numerous flourishing businesses and start-ups, including The Mill — a significant platform for technological advancements.
The Mill is among several establishments that have highlighted the Trades District as a crucial location, contributing to its transformation into a regional tech hub. Its commitment to the area’s growth goes beyond technological progress, fostering community engagement and economic development as part of its 2024 strategic plan.
Linking its history to the Showers Brothers Furniture factory, the Trades District has transitioned from a manufacturing site into a hub for technological innovation. This distinct blend of old and new instills a unique atmosphere in the district, echoing the past while embracing the future. The district’s rich history and infrastructure create an ideal environment for budding tech companies to develop groundbreaking solutions.
Employment opportunities provided by the Trades District contribute to the local economy, fostering a community of engaged professionals. The district has become a thriving hub for innovation, redefining the face of technology on a global scale.
Bloomington’s Trades District: Technological and economic pivot
Its buzzing tech scene and focus on creativity continually attract fresh, innovative minds.
Complementing its tech scene, the district also hosts several community events throughout the year, fostering collaboration and mutual learning amongst field experts.
Identifying as more than just a workspace, The Mill — established five years ago — has transformed into a societal nexus where pioneers of the new age convene. The Mill fosters innovation, encouraging collaboration and creating an atmosphere brimming with brainstorming, ideas, and investment opportunities. The space’s design pays tribute to its past while celebrating its modern identity.
Significant projects within the Trades District include The Forge, a $12.8 million eco-friendly office building scheduled for completion by late 2024. This project is anticipated to create about 530 jobs and stimulate an additional $51 million in private investment over the following decade.
In addition to The Forge, plans for a $35-million hotel project are also in the works, with the intention of enhancing the district’s infrastructure. The hotel’s operational commencement is expected by end of 2026, with negotiations involving a potential developer underway.
The Trades District has potential for further expansion, with 4.5 acres of ready-to-build land. Investors find its approach to inclusiveness and sustainability attractive, marking it as a possible zone for future partnerships between various sectors. With its promising growth trajectory, the Trades District emerges as an increasingly influential driver for Bloomington’s growth and technological innovation.
