By Eric Stock
BLOOMINGTON – A group that’s looking to revive Bloomington’s west side had its prayers answered.
The West Bloomington Revitalization Project found a new home at the former Jesus House after growing out of its current location at the Tool Library at 801 W. Washington St.
“Right when the (WBRP’s Building Committee) started to for, the Jesus House came up for sale,” past WBRP board member Deborah Halperin said. ” Clearly it was a sign. We were impressed with the amount of space.”
Halperin, who service on the group’s Building Committee, said the former Jesus House has 3,000 square feet on the first floor, a two-car garage and greenspace on the property.
“We’ve been moving around this intersection for years, but now we have a permanent place for our organization,” said Valerie Dumser, one of the founders of the WBRP, who lives in the 800 block of West Washington. “The fact that we have bought this building shows our commitment to the area and the efforts of our programs.”
The group plans to launch a bicycle co-op to further help those who rely on two wheels for their transportation.
“Every community needs a place for people to learn how to build and maintain their bicycles,” said Michael Gorman of local bike advocacy group Bike BloNo. “More than 10,000 people in Bloomington-Normal don’t use a car as their primary transportation, so we can’t be happier about the start of a Bike Co-op her to help build community.”
The WBRP Bike Co-op will have a membership program and workshops to teach bicycle repair.
The group has also raised $48,000 toward its $100,00 goal to make the repairs need to move into the building
“The community has always been generous with us and we are grateful,” said Tahnee Lathrop, incoming board president of the WBRP. The WBRP is seeking contributions of money, time, and
in-kind goods.
Halperin said the group plans to move into the building in early May and have the bike co-op up and running June 1.
Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].
