In a gradual process, Whole Foods got the all-clear from the City of Bloomington Plan Commission to proceed to the next step, which will happen at the next meeting — though the commission still has some questions for the grocery chain.
On Feb. 17, Whole Foods presented its plan to build at College Mall.
If it were approved, Whole Foods would take the spot of Sears at College Mall on the building’s north side.
The plan would also call for two separate stand-alone restaurants: a Panera Bread and a BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse.
Before future College Mall patrons can get their fix for organic groceries, baked bread and craft beer, the destiny of the College Mall Whole Foods plan lays with the Plan Commission’s decision after Simon Property Group — the plan’s developer — addresses the city’s concerns.
Though not the only thing on the agenda Monday evening, the Whole Foods plan seemed to garner attention because it was reported that it would replace Sears at College Mall.
Members representing the petitioners from Simon Group entered the meeting almost three hours after it began, following a presentation about a proposed parking garage that would be located on Morton Street.
The plan details were outlined again after some revisions since the Feb. 17 meeting.
They called for a 31,000-square-foot store with a wood and concrete façade and glass storefront.
“Windows are always appropriate,” Commissioner Jack Baker said. “Something needs to be done to break up that blank surface. That’s a warehouse look.”
Commissioner Eric Greulich said he likes the designs for the most part, and he is recommending it for continuation for the next meeting.
“There will be a lot of re-branding and a lot of improvements to this overall area,” Greulich said during the meeting.
Rod Vospers, a developer from Simon Property, said he hopes the project will begin this summer, and plans for a future hotel and ?multi-family homes could be in the mix.
Though Whole Foods will be connected to College Mall, there will not be a direct internal entrance from the mall property to the ?organic grocer.
The Bloomington Plan Commission’s job is to review site plans for prospective building and offer recommendations to developers on their property.
The next meeting will take place on Monday, April 13. The Plan Commission will hear again from the Whole Foods petitioners.
