Redevelopment Commission rejects bids for Hopewell South, approves Flintlock Lab design agreement

The Bloomington Redevelopment Commission voted June 30 to reject all bids from a second public offering for Hopewell South Blocks 9 and 10 and to approve a contract with Flintlock Lab to produce a comprehensive, coordinated design intended to make the site shovel‑ready for local builders.

Anna Killian Hansen, director of Housing and Neighborhood Development, told commissioners the city first issued a public offering in 2023 (Resolution 23‑73) and reissued a revised offering in 2024; responses “did not appropriately serve the goals and vision of Hopewell South,” she said. Hansen said the Flintlock Lab agreement is intended to pilot a development approach “by locals and for locals” that aligns with the master plan’s goals for walkability, equity, sustainability and connectivity.

The proposal approved in Resolution 25‑85 would produce a coordinated site design for initial blocks, a preapproved catalog of home designs and lot‑level construction plans so small and midsize local builders can pursue development quickly. Hansen said the aim is to provide “a diverse mix of housing types at all range of price points, creating options for first time homebuyers, the local workforce, and families, not just luxury apartments or student rentals.”

Commissioner John West raised contract questions before the vote, noting inconsistencies between the contract and the incorporated proposal documents, including where Exhibit A points to materials and a retained‑payment figure referenced on page 13 of the proposal. City staff and the presenter stated the city does not pay retainers and that the $1,500 figure in the proposal is framed as a hold or invoice amount rather than a paid retainer. Hansen and other staff said those numbering and language issues could be corrected in the final contract language.

West also questioned intellectual property and ownership language in the draft agreement that currently says materials “shall become the property of the department.” Staff clarified that the department referenced is the redevelopment function within the Housing and Neighborhood Development department (HAND) and agreed to adjust wording to say the materials become property of the Redevelopment Commission (RDC) to be consistent.

On the project timeline, the consultant and city staff said that, provided the city supplies required inputs and departments engage on schedule, the work could move to earthwork in approximately six months, though Hansen and administration representatives cautioned that permits, weather and departmental review timelines could extend that estimate. The proposal includes a code analysis and meetings with relevant departments to identify regulatory constraints and opportunities to accelerate permitting.

Public commenters representing local economic and building interests spoke in favor. Jen Pearl, president of the Bloomington Economic Development Corporation, said workforce housing is a top concern for employers and welcomed efforts to expand attainable housing. Chris Emery of the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce called the proposal “practical” and said it creates opportunities for local builders to participate. Amy Chitwood, president of the Builders Association of South Central Indiana, said the process would remove barriers that previously prevented local builders from responding to Hopewell requests for proposals.

Commissioners voted to adopt Resolution 25‑84 to reject the bids for Blocks 9 and 10, then adopted Resolution 25‑85 approving the agreement with Flintlock Lab. Both motions were approved with no recorded opposition. Commissioners present at roll call were Randy Cassidy, John West, Laurie McRobbie and Steve Scambelluri.

The RDC and city staff said they will return updates as the Flintlock Lab work proceeds; the final plat for lots and any subsequent requests for RDC approval will come back to the commission for review and vote.