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307 E Grove
Prominently positioned in the heart of Downtown Bloomington, the Historic Clay Dooley Building offers a rare opportunity to own or lease a piece of Central Illinois history. This iconic structure, spanning both 307 E Grove Street and 207 S Gridley Street, is a well-known cornerstone of the city’s urban fabric.
Built in the early 20th century and meticulously maintained over the decades, the Clay Dooley Building features classic architectural detailing, exposed brick, and large windows that flood the space with natural light. Zoned for commercial use, the property is ideal for a variety of retail, office, showroom, or creative space uses. The building’s high visibility and proximity to the courthouse square, downtown restaurants, and other professional offices make it a prime location for businesses seeking character and convenience.
With its flexible floorplan, multiple points of entry, and potential for mixed-use redevelopment, this property is perfect for investors, entrepreneurs, or tenants who want to be part of Downtown Bloomington’s ongoing revitalization.
Roof: 2010, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer)
Highlights
Enterprise Zone: https://www.bnbiz.org/enterprise-zone
1945: The building was originally split between two major dealerships: the Corn Belt Motor Company (Buick) on Grove Street and Thornton‑Anderson (Lincoln‑Mercury) on Gridley Street
1956: It became Imperial Motors, featuring full Chrysler lines before dealership operations ceased in the late 1960s
1987: Clay Dooley Tire & Auto took over the property, running a service center there until about 2018, further cementing its automotive heritage
2025: The current owner has taken significant care to preserve the building’s structural and architectural integrity—completing extensive cleaning, painting, and functional upgrades.
The lower level is an open 12,000 sq.ft. flex space with access to a restroom (needs updating), two (2) overhead drive in doors. Approximately 1,628 SF of enclosed office within the building’s Streamline Moderne rounded corner, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass and wraparound clerestory windows
The upper level has exposed structural steel trusses, painted concrete floors, expansive industrial-style windows and original exposed brick with updated restrooms.
The two story streamline moderne former sales floor and showroom has been meticulously renovated into a Class A open-concept office suite, full kitchen, full bath and a second floor studio apartment or creative studio.
Listing Agents
Highlights
Enterprise Zone: https://www.bnbiz.org/enterprise-zone
1945: The building was originally split between two major dealerships: the Corn Belt Motor Company (Buick) on Grove Street and Thornton‑Anderson (Lincoln‑Mercury) on Gridley Street
1956: It became Imperial Motors, featuring full Chrysler lines before dealership operations ceased in the late 1960s
1987: Clay Dooley Tire & Auto took over the property, running a service center there until about 2018, further cementing its automotive heritage
2025: The current owner has taken significant care to preserve the building’s structural and architectural integrity—completing extensive cleaning, painting, and functional upgrades.
The lower level is an open 12,000 sq.ft. flex space with access to a restroom (needs updating), two (2) overhead drive in doors. Approximately 1,628 SF of enclosed office within the building’s Streamline Moderne rounded corner, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass and wraparound clerestory windows
The upper level has exposed structural steel trusses, painted concrete floors, expansive industrial-style windows and original exposed brick with updated restrooms.
The two story streamline moderne former sales floor and showroom has been meticulously renovated into a Class A open-concept office suite, full kitchen, full bath and a second floor studio apartment or creative studio.