Rent rises near Courthouse

While high rent and a slow economy are forcing some businesses to leave their locations on the Courthouse Square in downtown Bloomington, others are gaining a chance to test their own luck.

Last week, Gallery North, an art gallery and co-op that had exhibited its members’ work on the square for nine years, closed its doors in Bloomington to move to a less costly location in Nashville, Ind.

“We regret leaving such a beautiful location on the square, but a better opportunity presented itself to us elsewhere,” said Tom Duffy, photographer and gallery president.

Jim Murphy, president of CFC Properties — the leasing agency that owns buildings on the square, including Fountain Square Mall — said the company did not increase rent for all tenants.

“We had been providing the gallery with discounts for many years, and our company could not sustain that,” Murphy said.

Although members of the co-op said rent had nearly doubled recently, Murphy said CFC Properties just decreased the discount. No other tenants on the square are receiving a discount.

While Murphy said no business has rented Gallery North’s old property, others are lining up for their chance to open on the square.

The Owlery Restaurant originally opened March 5, 2011, near Fourth and Rogers streets, but has decided to move into a new nest on the square. The restaurant closed at the end of December and will reopen at the new location in March.

By moving, the Owlery’s owners hope to become closer to the Bloomington community and its “diversity, openness and thriving arts scene,” according to the restaurant’s website.

Jasmine Wylie, an employee of Darn Good Soup, said business has thrived due to the central location.

“We keep things really simple,” Wylie said, explaining how the business can afford rent for its location. “We only have a few people on staff. We hired the best of the best to make sure things go smoothly and with as few expenses as possible.”

Darn Good Soup has been open since March, but Wylie said as long as business stays steady, the restaurant is not going anywhere. 

“The occupancy in downtown Bloomington far exceeds other downtown areas in a time like this,” Murphy said. “There are close to 80 restaurants, a couple bookstores and many retail shops — we are lucky to live in a vibrant downtown area that can sustain those businesses.”