Downtown Bloomington: A History of Progress

Bloomington has a poplulation of 1,643 people. There are 300 homes, 13 stores, 9 lawyers, and 10 physicians.

Indiana Univeristy is one of the first state universities to admit women.

Fire destroyes original site of Indiana University, after which campus is located to present site

Attendance at Indiana University exceeds 200 for the first time since its founding.

Bloomington Hosptial is founded, and inter-urban trains begin service between many Indiana towns, including Bloomington.

The present downtown Courthouse is built. Bloomington's population is approximately 8,800.

The U.S. center of population was marked at 10th and Morton Streets in Bloomington.

The Carnegie Library opens. This building is currently home to the Monroe County Historical Society.

Because of water shortages, Griffy Reservoir is built.

Bloomington native Hoagy Carmichael writes Stardust, one of his most famous and enduring songs.

Bloomington's population hits 18,236 plus approximately 5,000 IU students.

Indiana Memorial Union is built. Additions are added in 1939, 1946, and 1959.

RCA begins to manufacture radios in Bloomington.

IU Auditorium and the Cyclotron are built.

Indiana Univeristy professor Dr. Alfred Kinsey publishes Sexual Behavior in the Human Male.

RCA begins to build televisions in Bloomington.

The population booms after WWII veterans return home. By 1950, the population in Bloomington is 28,163. In Monroe County, the population tops 50,000.

The first Little 500 bicycle race is held.

Lake Lemon Eservoir is formed from Bean Blossom Creek. A much needed water supply, it was also supposed to the the last reservoir that Bloomington would ever need.

The IU Men's basketball team wins the NCAA championship.

The Showers Furniture Factory closes. Its unique roofline now houses Bloomington City Hall and the Showers Plaza.

Cook Incorporated was founded by Bill and Gayle Cook.

Lake MKonroe is created from Salt Creek, becoming the state's largest man-made lake and a desperately needed source of water for Bloomington.

Otis Elevator and College Mall open in Bloomington.

The Monon Railroad stops rail service to Bloomington, leaving Bloomington without rail service for the first time since 1853.

The IU Library is built at 10thh and Jordan.

IU's Assembly Hall is built.

IU men's football team goes to the Rose Bowl.

Graham Plaza/Regester Garage partnership formed on handshake between Mr. Bill Cook of Cook Incorporated/CFC Inc. and Mayor Frank McCloskey, City of Bloomington.
Breaking Away is released, taking place largely in the pre-renovated downtown Bloomington area.

The IU Art Museum is completed.
The IU men's basketball team wins NCAA.

Save the Courthouse campaign led by Monroe County Commissioners.

A blue ribbon commission formed by Mayor Tomilea Allison to revitalize the downtown.

South side of Square renovation encompassing 11 buildings creates Fountain Square Mall. Project includes new 4th and Walnut parking garage.

Community's Master Plan includes Downtown section.
Bloomington/Monroe County Convention Center is opened in former auto dealership.

300,000 square foot Showers Building renovated by City of Bloomington, Indiana University, CFC Inc. and Bloomington Advancement Corporation. Mayor John Fernandez identifies downtown as top priority to take it to the next level.

Sample Gates constructed as gateway to Indiana University at edge of downtown Bloomington.

Bloomington's new Growth Policies Plan adopted allowing new residential development with design standards.

Downtown Vision Infill Strategy adopted for 5-10 year plan. Mayor Mark Kruzan encourages retaining character and economic vitality.

BEAD—Bloomington Entertainment and Arts District designated to brand Downtown.