What is Uptown Normal?
Whether you’ve been in the community for a few months or many years, you’ve probably noticed all of the exciting changes happening in the business district. Existing businesses, like the Garlic Press, have expanded and improved their facades. Some, like Jimmy John’s and Bank of Illinois, have moved or are in the process of moving locations within the area, and new structures such as the Children’s Discovery Museum and Beaufort Partners building have joined the mix. And that’s just the beginning! Soon the business district will be welcoming a nine story hotel, a circular intersection, additional retail, office, and residential space, plus much more. It’s like a whole new place with a traditional charm, and that’s one of the reasons Town Council voted on November 20th, 2006 to change the area’s name from “Downtown Normal” to “Uptown Normal.”
This decision was made after input was collected from uptown businesses, the Uptown Advisory Commission, and others. The change will be a steady one, but it is one that many in the community have already begun to embrace. The new name will allow Uptown Normal to further define itself as a local attraction and regional destination and will allow for numerous cross-marketing efforts with downtown Bloomington. So, if you’re wondering “What is Uptown Normal?” it is just one more exciting change that is making the business district more vibrant, more attractive, and more distinct.