Schemmer, through its Kansas City-based team known as Convergence Design, A Schemmer Company, and in partnership with Schmidt Associates, led the design portion of a significant expansion to the Bloomington Convention Center in downtown Bloomington, Indiana.

Bloomington is a popular destination in the state, but for years the existing center was limited by its size. Event organizers often found the facility unable to accommodate larger gatherings, restricting the city’s ability to host regional conventions and community events.

The completed design delivers a flexible 30,000-square-foot event space, along with 10,000 to 12,000 square feet of repurposed meeting space. In total, the expanded and renovated facilities encompass approximately 100,000 gross square feet designed to support conventions, performances, meetings, and community events of varying scale.

A defining feature of the project is its emphasis on connection. The existing and new facilities are linked via a skywalk, creating a seamless experience for visitors and staff. The expansion also adjoins a new 500-space multimodal transit center that accommodates parking, bikeshare, scooters, and access to a popular local bike and pedestrian trail.

By bringing convention activity closer to Bloomington’s historic town square, the project strengthens ties between visitors and the downtown business community. Restaurants, shops, and cultural destinations will be within easy walking distance, supporting local businesses while enhancing the overall event experience.

Construction is currently underway, with completion anticipated in 2027.