Commission hires American StructurePoint to study 714 S. Rogers for potential public‑safety reuse

The Bloomington Redevelopment Commission on Nov. 3 approved a professional services agreement with American StructurePoint to conduct a feasibility study of 714 S. Rogers St. to determine whether the existing structure could be adapted for use as a public‑safety facility.

Scope: staff said the study will include structural engineering review, an evaluation of interior conditions (including moisture and mold remediation already performed), analysis of space needs for police operations, an assessment of whether selective interior demolition can proceed without compromising the structure, and identification of site needs (garages, parking and utilities) to support public‑safety operations.

Why now: staff and police leadership described the need for an early answer on whether the building is structurally and programmatically feasible before the PUD and Hopewell South planning advance further. The feasibility study is estimated to take six to ten weeks; staff said holidays may extend that timeline slightly.

Funding and next steps: the RDC approved the study authorization; if feasibility is confirmed, staff expects to return with a proposed design, demolition scope and funding options. Commissioners and staff noted the city’s previous public‑safety bond funding is fully expended and that income‑tax borrowing options are limited under current law, so funding a new facility would require further planning and council action.

Public comment included written remarks opposing expanded police facilities on a separate site; staff recorded that comment for the record but said the 714 S. Rogers feasibility is a separate decision about reusing an existing city‑owned structure.