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THE FORGE WINS ECONOMIC VITALITY AWARD, IGNITING A NEW ERA FOR THE TRADES DISTRICT

by Admin on
Trades District

Bloomington’s downtown is evolving, and with it, so is our city’s innovation economy. At the Downtown Bloomington, Inc. Annual Awards, the Economic Vitality Award was presented to The Forge, a 22,000-square-foot Class A office space dedicated to fostering tech sector growth in the Trades District.

This award recognizes projects that drive new investment, fuel economic vitality, and create opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs. As we all know, a well-maintained and thriving downtown is the foundation for long-term economic success, and The Forge is a shining example of what’s possible through vision, collaboration, and strategic investment.

The Forge: A New Hub for Innovation

Since its completion, The Forge has already begun fulfilling its mission of attracting private investment and job growth to Bloomington’s tech ecosystem. Its first two tenants, Folia and ViVum AI, are setting the stage for a dynamic, innovation-driven workspace that will help brand Bloomington as a premier destination for tech companies.

This achievement is a testament to the strength of community collaboration. Bringing The Forge to life required the dedication of numerous partners, including:

  • The Bloomington Economic Development Corporation (BEDC)
  • City of Bloomington & Redevelopment Commission
  • Indiana University

And of course, a special recognition goes to Pat East and John Fernandez, whose leadership, determination, and vision played a pivotal role in activating this exciting new chapter for our city.

The Mill: Anchoring Innovation + Ambition

For years, The Mill has served as a cornerstone of the Trades District, providing essential resources for entrepreneurs, hosting major events like Innovation Week and Freezefest, and cultivating a thriving startup ecosystem. The addition of The Forge represents the next phase of growth—one that cements Bloomington’s position as a regional tech hub.

As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to even more exciting developments on the horizon, including the continued Trades District expansion, the Hopewell redevelopment, and the Convention Center project.

A Bright Future for Bloomington

The Forge is more than just a building—it’s a symbol of momentum, opportunity, and progress. It’s proof that when a community comes together with a shared vision, incredible things happen.

Congratulations to all who made this project possible. The best is yet to come! 🚀

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