The Village Deli will be temporarily closed in for construction of a four-story apartment complex beginning next summer.
The restaurant, known for its pancakes and home fries, has been a staple breakfast joint of Bloomington’s downtown since 1980. IU alumni, locals and current students alike expressed disappointment at the news.
Approved by the Bloomington Plan Commission July 11, Strauser Construction’s proposal includes mostly studio and one-bedroom apartments, with a total of 29 bedrooms split between 25 apartments. The space will include a parking garage on the ground floor.
In order to achieve the four-story height not usually allowed for the downtown area, the complex had to meet one of the city’s incentives. One of these incentives is sustainability, which Strauser Construction plans on satisfying with light exterior colors, a roof that reflects light, covered parking and solar photovoltaic panels.
Owner Bob Costello said in an email that he plans to relocate The Village Deli during construction and will announce the new location shortly before construction begins in the summer of 2023. The complex includes 2700 square feet of restaurant space, so the Village Deli will return to the same spot when construction is complete.
Some residents compared the temporary closing of the Deli with old favorites like Ladyman’s Cafe. Ladyman’s, which served fried chicken and fresh-baked pies from its spot on Kirkwood Avenue since 1957, closed when Heartland Development Group bought the restaurant in 2006.
Although Village Deli’s temporary relocation is uncertain, internet commentators expressed relief that the restaurant is here to stay.
CLARIFICATION: This story has been updated to make clear the Village Deli's closure is not until 2023.
