Today marks a significant milestone for Bloomington as The Forge officially opens its
doors in the Trades District. This state-of-the-art facility is more than just an office
building—it’s a cornerstone for innovation and growth in our community.
What Is The Forge?
The Forge is a 22,000-square-foot Class A office building designed with a clear
purpose: to foster collaboration and creativity among tech companies, researchers, and
innovators. Located in the heart of the Trades District, the building offers shared spaces
like a communal pantry to encourage spontaneous interactions and idea-sharing. As
John Fernandez, Senior Vice President for Innovation and Strategic Partnerships at The
Mill, describes it, “The Forge is about connecting talent to opportunity.”
This strategic location benefits from proximity to Indiana University, NSWC Crane, 16
Tech (Indianapolis’ downtown innovation district) and the Indianapolis airport, making it
an ideal hub for companies specializing in artificial intelligence, biotech, cybersecurity,
and more. “It’s the newest office building in downtown Bloomington,” Fernandez notes,
“and it’s designed to drive innovation and growth.”
A Vision Years in the Making
The Forge is the product of years of collaborative planning between the City of
Bloomington, The Mill, the Bloomington Economic Development Corporation (BEDC)
and federal partners. Its roots trace back to the City’s successful application for a $3.5
million US Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant in 2020, part of the
CARES Act. This funding came at a pivotal moment as the City, with help from the
BEDC, sought to recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic.
Originally envisioned as a three-story building, The Forge was scaled back to two
stories to align with the City’s financial capacity. However, the decision didn’t
compromise its ambition or quality. Designed by StudioAXIS, the building combines
architectural elegance with sustainability, including solar panels and a green roof. These
features underscore Bloomington’s commitment to innovation while respecting its
environmental values.
The Mill’s involvement was critical to The Forge’s success. With a proven track record of
managing entrepreneurial spaces, The Mill stepped in to oversee the construction
process and will now manage the building. This partnership has ensured that The Forge
not only meets its operational goals but also integrates seamlessly into Bloomington’s
broader innovation ecosystem.
A Home for Cutting-Edge Industries
The Forge aims to attract companies that align with Bloomington’s unique strengths.
Artificial intelligence, biotech, cybersecurity, and defense technology are top priorities,
reflecting the city’s competitive edge in these fields. IU’s research ecosystem and
nearby Crane Naval Base provide a steady pipeline of talent and expertise, making The
Forge a natural fit for these high-growth industries.
The building is already attracting interest from a range of prospective tenants. These
companies recognize the value of being in a space designed to foster collaboration,
within a short walk to IU and with easy access to resources like The Mill’s coworking
spaces and event facilities. The Forge also offers flexibility in its tenant build-outs,
allowing businesses to customize their spaces to meet their specific needs.
Why the Trades District Matters
The Forge is the latest step in a broader strategy to revitalize Bloomington’s economy.
The Trades District itself is a prime example of adaptive reuse, transforming the historic
Showers Brothers Furniture site into a modern innovation hub. This 14-acre district is
quickly becoming a beacon for entrepreneurs and investors alike.
Lilly Endowment Inc’s $16 million grant, awarded to the IU Foundation earlier this year
as part of their College and Community Collaboration (CCC) program will accelerate
this transformation. In addition to funding tenant build-outs in The Forge, the grant
supports public art installations, placemaking initiatives, and strategic property
acquisitions that will further advance the district. It’s a comprehensive approach that
goes beyond office space to create an environment where people want to live, work,
and innovate.
A Domino Effect
The Forge is part of a series of transformative investments in Bloomington’s future. Just
this year, the City approved plans for a $35 million hotel in the Trades District, which will
provide much-needed meeting space, dining options, and lodging for visitors. The
addition of Energy Sciences Network (ESnet), a cutting-edge network provider for the
Department of Energy, further solidifies the district’s reputation as a hub for innovation.
These investments are interconnected, designed to attract not only businesses but also
the talent and resources they need to thrive. Together, they are reshaping
Bloomington’s economic landscape, creating a sustainable and resilient ecosystem that
benefits everyone.
For Fernandez, this momentum is exactly what Bloomington needs. “Cities either grow
or decline,” he explains. “The Forge is a catalyst that ensures Bloomington continues to
grow, creating high-paying jobs and fueling innovation-driven economic development.”
What Does This Mean for Lilly CCC?
The grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc. is all about accelerating the transformation of
the Trades District. This is significant for both the university and Bloomington. For the
university, having a thriving innovation district enhances its brand and provides critical
infrastructure for an R1 institution competing for talent. Certain disciplines find it
attractive to have an innovation district with growing, successful companies, as it
appeals to the faculty the university aims to recruit and retain.
Similarly, Bloomington benefits because these companies drive net new job creation.
They also create professions and career paths that offer substantially higher-than-
average wages. For both the university and the city, the Trades District represents an
essential piece of the puzzle in attracting talent and fostering economic growth.
Looking Ahead
As The Forge opens its doors, the excitement is palpable. The pipeline of prospective
tenants is strong, reflecting the district’s appeal to innovative companies and
entrepreneurs. With every new development, Bloomington takes another step toward
becoming a leading hub for technology and entrepreneurship.
The Forge is more than a building—it’s a symbol of what’s possible when a community
invests in its future. As Bloomington’s Trades District continues to grow, its impact will
be felt not just locally but across the region and beyond. The best is yet to come.
Pat East is the Executive Director of The Mill, a non-profit entrepreneurship center on a
mission to build and nurture Bloomington’s startup ecosystem. Our vision is to become
the center of tech entrepreneurship in Indiana