Bloomington city council approves purchase of former Owens Nursery for new public works facility

Posted on June 11, 2024
The city will pay $5.4 million for the 34 acre facility on Bloomington’s south side. (Facebook/Owen Nursery)

By Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington City Council Monday night approved the purchase of the former Owens Nursery for the relocation of the city’s public works facility.

The city will pay $5.4 million for the 34 acre facility on Bloomington’s south side.

Bloomington City Manager Jeff Jurgens gave some background why the city needs the space. He spoke with WJBC’s Scott Miller.

Bloomington City Manager Jeff Jurgens spoke with WJBC’s Scott Miller Tuesday, June 11

City staff say they’ve been looking for a new public works facility for several years. The need to find a new location was heightened again recently when the location of the current Public Works campus was identified as the best location for a water detention basin to address flooding and provide storm water management.

Jurgens says the city plans to make phased improvements to the Owens Nursery property, including the eventual construction of a new fleet facility.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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