Page last updated on July 13, 2022 at 2:42 pm
Each week, Mayor Hamilton and Deputy Mayor Griffin provide video updates on recent news and key initiatives.
Transcript
Mayor John Hamilton:
Hi, I'm Mayor John Hamilton.
Don Griffin:
And I'm Don Griffin, the deputy mayor for the city of Bloomington. And today we're here to talk about Switchyard Park, an exciting development that is all about affordable housing.
Mayor John Hamilton:
Don, you're right. Just last week or so we had a groundbreaking for the Retreat at Switchyard Park, and it's a wonderful new affordable housing development that is going to be right next to the park. If you go down Walnut, you'll see it right at the entrance to the park. And 64 new apartment units that are going to be right there with a great mix of people who are going to be living there.
Don Griffin:
Okay. So the developer is Real America. A lot of people may not be familiar with this developer, but they're well regarded in the state of Indiana. Can you tell us a little bit about them?
Mayor John Hamilton:
Sure. So they're the ones who are building the building and will help run it. But they really were just selected through a typical process where we said we're interested in somebody doing this. We got 10, I think, at least applicants. And there's a committee that reviewed it and recommended this is the best fit for doing what we wanted. And what we wanted was, again, a mix. This is going to be a building that has people from literally all walks of life. It's got, I think, 16 market rate units out of 64, but the other 48 are affordable at different levels of affordability. And then there's some that are dedicated to people with special needs, and there's even going to be direct services right at the building for that. Everybody–living right by the park.
Don Griffin:
One unique aspect of this project is its collaboration with Stone Belt.
Mayor John Hamilton:
So right, Stone Belt, one of our premier social service agencies here in town, that's been around for decades, serving people with disabilities. And they're working with Real America in this building to help have 10 units that will be dedicated to Stone Belt clients, people with significant disabilities, and also services right on site to help them. And I just have to say, living not only in a mixed building like this with market rate affordable Stone Belt, also right next to a park and right next to a bus line and all that stuff is really important and helpful, too.
Don Griffin:
As you mentioned during the groundbreaking ceremony, affordable housing is only one piece of financial stability and quality of life. What are the other added benefits and amenities that this project's going to bring to Bloomington?
Mayor John Hamilton:
Right. So living next to a public park as your backyard is a great place to live, to have the new 60-plus acre Switchyard Park right there whenever you want it to go hear music and walk the trails, walk your dog, get to the splash pad, all that stuff. But also, you're right on a major bus line, so people may not need a car. They may need only one car instead of two cars because you had such good access. Plus the Beeline Trail. Frankly, you're living right across the street from a great public high school, too.
Don Griffin:
That's true.
Mayor John Hamilton:
And so having that connection to the education system. All that location, location, location is just great for the people who live here.
Don Griffin:
Okay. So I know the public is really excited about this. When is construction going to start and when should it all be completed?
Mayor John Hamilton:
Well, construction will begin this summer, and the schedule that they aim to do is to open next fall, the fall of 2023. So watch for the construction coming out of the ground, all the finishing. And then the aim, again, is to have it open for business in the fall of 2023.
Don Griffin:
If you have interest in this project, there are many more details on the city's website. As always, thank you, folks, and we'll see you soon.
Related Press Releases
Public Invited to Groundbreaking for Retreat at Switchyard Thursday–New Affordable Housing Next to Switchyard Park–Click here.