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Bloomington: Thomson Administration Outlines Path Forward for Seminary Pointe and Convention Center Hotel

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In response to recent questions from members of the public, local advocates, and media regarding the future of Seminary Pointe, College Square, and the Convention Center headquarters hotel, the Thomson administration is providing additional context on the legal process governing the Bloomington Redevelopment Commission's (RDC) actions and reaffirming its commitment to both preserving deeply affordable housing and advancing the Convention Center project. The administration emphasized that the current public offering for College Square remains open, including to the Capital Improvement Board (CIB), and that the process is intended to create a lawful and transparent path for future negotiations, not prevent them.

Statement from Mayor Kerry Thomson

"Bloomington does not have to choose between preserving deeply affordable housing and delivering a successful Convention Center headquarters hotel. We can—and should—do both.

"Recent discussion about Seminary Pointe and the Convention Center hotel selection process has combined multiple negotiations, legal requirements, and separate decision-making processes into a single narrative that does not accurately reflect how the RDC is required to operate under Indiana law. We want to clearly correct a few key points and provide context for the path forward.

"The Thomson administration continues to support the preservation of the 29 deeply affordable units currently located at Seminary Pointe, and has outlined a process for ensuring that they are retained in our community.  Both the RDC and the administration also support the College Square property being utilized by a Convention Center hotelier, and always have.

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"Staff negotiated for over a year with the CIB's chosen hotelier in an effort to make the project financially viable. The Hunden Study states an average of approximately 33% public subsidy is required for a host hotel. When the RDC was asked to negotiate with the hotelier, a significant gap existed. With all the capital projects underway, the RDC did not have the capacity to contribute additional subsidy beyond the land itself. Staff requested assistance from the County and the CIB, but a funding gap remained.

"Unfortunately, the proposed land contribution did not receive Common Council support. The Council and the public made it clear that the RDC should determine what alternatives are available for College Square before transferring the property for a nominal amount to a hotel project.  The current offering, which will end in just two weeks, will provide this requested information.

"Based on current market conditions, the price tag of $7 million is likely extremely difficult to achieve unless the City supports high-rise, luxury student-centric development, which is not supported by the administration or the RDC on this site.

"Before the RDC can transfer ownership of property, Indiana law requires a public offering based on the average of two appraisals. If the RDC determines there are no acceptable offers, it may reject all bids and, after that 30-day period, negotiate consistent with state law.

"In order to transparently evaluate the market & fulfill the statutory requirement for College Square, the RDC moved forward with the offering. This was outlined as the plan months in advance of issuing the offering.

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"The RDC continued to support the CIB and the Convention Center with a land donation immediately south of the Convention Center valued at $3.15M.

"Just before issuing the offering on College Square, a request was made to pause the offering to negotiate with the CIB and trade parcels.

"In order to do that, the RDC had to have documentation to defend that decision. No information was available at the time to justify such a decision. Continuing to issue the offering provided the needed time for documentation, allowed the RDC to meet its statutory requirements to proceed in making a defensible decision, and gave the CIB an avenue to negotiate.

"Recent commentary that the CIB cannot issue an offering is inaccurate. The RDC offering on College Square lists a dozen selection criteria and Indiana Code lists another half a dozen selection criteria beyond just a purchase price. The RDC acknowledges that in this economy, there is much more than money to consider for the economic health of our community and the current offering is open to all qualified respondents, including the CIB.

"The latest request to start negotiating with the CIB prior to the conclusion of our offering could subject the RDC to litigation. The RDC cannot pause its offering but would be happy to receive a proposal.

"Recent statements suggesting the RDC has rejected the CIB "four times" do not reflect the official record. There has been no official offer. If there is a path forward direct communication is necessary, particularly knowing the funding gaps for host hotels, parking & other needs unlikely to be addressed using the South parcels.

"Director Killion-Hanson continues to offer her assistance in identifying a collaborative path forward that preserves affordable housing while advancing the Convention Center project."

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