Two years ago the old Beich Candy Factory went up in flames in Bloomington leaving a big eyesore at that location.

Now the property will get a new landmark, affordable homes.
Before the devastating fire at the old Beich Candy factory, there were plans for the century old building at Grove and Lumber Streets in Bloomington.

John Burrill of Mid Central Community Action said, “The original idea was to make the old candy factory into kind of a one stop center for non-profits to have their offices in. That turned out to just not be practical. There weren't enough agencies looking for space.”

Now Mid Central Community Action has teamed up with several other agencies to build 23 affordable homes at the site.

Rick Barrera of Mid Central Community Action said, “Our goal is to build a market rate home and then find the subsidies and the loan packages that can bring that mortgage down for the homeowner. So I think when we talk about affordable our focus is not really talking about price as much as making them affordable month to month.”

Barrera says the two and three bedroom homes in Trailside Subdivision will be able to withstand extreme weather conditions.

Jeff Feid of State Farm Insurance said, “We'll be able to integrate into the project additional connectors, that connect the roof to the walls, connect the walls to the floors and the floor to the foundation in a higher capacity that you would not find in a regularly constructed home.”

Mid Central Community Action hopes this will be the first of several projects that will bring more affordable homes to McLean County.

The first group of residents could move into the new subdivision by Spring 2008.