Bloomington moves ahead with tech park

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (WISH) - The city of Bloomington is moving ahead with planning for a downtown technology park officials hope can spawn a bustling hub of high-tech businesses.

The Herald-Times reports the city has hired Columbus, Ohio-based landscape architecture firm MSI/KKG and its partners to craft a master plan and redevelopment strategy for 12 acres the city purchased last year from Indiana University.

Bloomington will pay up to $275,000 for the expected yearlong effort that will include preparing a market feasibility analysis and developing an infrastructure plan.

Bloomington Economic Development Corp. President Ron Walker says a certified tech park would give Bloomington the infrastructure suited to the unique needs of technology-based companies. He says there's "great potential" in attracting technology businesses that also tend to offer higher wages.