Bloomington Central Park Revitalization

The First United Methodist Church of Bloomington, Indiana requested a design to redevelop the recently purchased, adjacent post office block. The inspiration for the United Plaza was informed by the work of Antoni Gaudi and Eero Saarinen. The client requested a welcoming space to be used by church members, as well as by the community of Bloomington, that was programmable throughout the year and maintained the number of existing parking spaces. The parking is located beneath the plaza in an underground garage which leaves the space above open, acting as an intensive green roof system of native planting. The center of the plaza acts as a gathering space for church and community members and the central lawn is recessed to offer space for gathering and relaxation. The central space will be programmed for outdoor markets, organized by the church and the city, supporting small summer concerts, winter ice-skating, and other year-round activities. The redevelopment plan was expanded to the south to include 3rd Street Park in an effort to create a primary green space within Bloomington, similar to Central Park in New York City, but at a scale appropriate to the city. The redesign of 3rd Street Park included the proposal of a green house, plaza, and the renovation of an existing concert stage and amphitheater. The greenhouse would be used by the adjacent Food Works, a safe house and training facility for women who have been victims of domestic abuse, for the production of fruits and vegetables.