IU Health Bloomington Hospital announced Friday that it will not construct a replacement hospital at its current site.
IU Health will continue to review the recommendations on construction of a new hospital, according to a press release.
After analysis and study of the replacement hospital, and in consideration of the strategic plan adopted by IU Health Bloomington Hospital Board of Directors, the IU Health system has determined it is not feasible to construct a replacement hospital at the current site, the press release said.
IU Health is reaching out to Mayor Mark Kruzan to open discussions regarding the creation of a commission to advise on the best reuse and redevelopment of the current site, in the event that funding is approved to build a replacement hospital.
The future of Bloomington's primary health care facility is a heated topic. This spring primary's mayoral candidates have announced their commitment to keeping the hospital in its current site.
If the hospital's Board of Directors decide that the current hospital needs renovations or expansions, its location will likely change. The hospital is currently located on the corner of 2nd and Rogers Streets, near Bloomington's downtown.
In January 2014, IU Health Bloomington purchased 85 acres on the west side of the city, about 2.35 miles from the current hospital's location, for $8,107,950. It announced in December that a new hospital would be built either at the current site — 601 W. Second Street — or on that land, located near N. Curry Pike and State Road 46.
Hannah Alani
