BLOOMINGTON – On Monday, June 30, the City of Bloomington’s Redevelopment Commission voted to chart a new course for the future of Hopewell South: a more flexible, locally informed, and community-centered path forward.
Hopewell, located on the site of the former IU Health Bloomington Hospital, is one of the few housing developments led directly by the City. That makes it an opportunity to deliver the kind of neighborhood residents have been asking for: one built by local hands, shaped by community voices, and filled with all sorts of housing options for all types of Bloomington neighbors—first-time buyers, working families, long-term residents, and everyone in between.
When Hopewell was first envisioned, it was a different housing era—before the pandemic and before soaring construction costs. This administration inherited that vision and made the tough call to reassess and adapt. Building a truly exceptional neighborhood today means being more innovative with housing than ever before.
Officials know Bloomington needs more housing. This strategy shift also allows us to rethink what’s possible, clear bureaucratic hurdles, and use Hopewell as a test case for how our City can accelerate good development and reduce red tape, without sacrificing character or care.
With help from our new partner Flintlock LAB, a nationally recognized leader in community-first development, we’re bringing a new approach to neighborhood building—one that democratizes the process through thoughtful design and smarter policy.
Here’s what that means in action:
A catalog of 10+ pre-approved home designs to speed up permitting and reduce costs. More opportunities for local builders and vendors to participate, keeping investments right here in Bloomington. Legal tools that support both permanently affordable and market-rate housing. Public engagement and developer education that increase transparency and trust
“We don’t just want to build housing—we want to build better. Hopewell should feel like Bloomington. We’re finally on a path to make that happen,” said Mayor Kerry Thomson.
The details are still unfolding—but the vision is clear: a neighborhood that blends inspiration with everyday ease, and vibrancy with a deep sense of belonging. In the coming months, look for opportunities to weigh in and shape what comes next, construction timelines, site designs, and housing breakdowns by type.
