A new business plans to move into the former location of the Small Favors restaurant. Here’s what we know.
Where is the site of the former Small Favors restaurant?
It’s at 402 W. Sixth St., about two blocks west of the courthouse square. The property contains a 1.5-story structure formerly used as a single-family home.
What’s being planned?
Filings with the local planning department indicate that an “outdoor sauna village” is being planned.
Plans call for renovation of the existing commercial space to be renovated., with indoor space being used for a sauna prep area, reception/lounge, sauna spa, retail display, office, kitchen, bathroom and changing rooms.
The rear of the property would get a new deck, two modular saunas, cold plunge tanks and a new woe privacy fence. One sauna would measure eight by 12 feet, another would measure eight by 15 square feet.
A filing from an architect described the project’s concept as “intentionally designed to foster community and social connection while promoting health, wellness, movement and engagement with the outdoors.
The architect wrote that the concept reflects lifestyle and social wellness trends and aligns with “the city’s long-term goals of attracting and retaining college-age residents and young professionals.”
The filing indicates the site was selected because of its proximity to downtown, Indiana University and the Trades District.
What government approvals are required?
The project would require approval from the Bloomington Board of Zoning Appeals because the plans, as proposed, would deviate from some local zoning rules, including dimensional standards, roof design and windows.
The board will meet at 5:30 p.m. on May 28, 2026, in Room 115 at 401 N. Morton St., or about two blocks north from the site.
What do we know about the property?
The parcel covers 0.1 acres and most recently was assessed at $569,700, up about 41% in the last two years. The owner, CJ Satellite LLC, bought the property in 2016 for $800,000. The company was created in 2011. Its manager is John Lukens, of Clear Creek, Indiana.
What was Small Favors and when did it close?
Small Favors was a farm-to-fork restaurant that served wine and wine-based cocktails. It opened in February of 2022 and closed two years later.
Boris Ladwig can be reached at bladwig@heraldt.com.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Former Small Favors restaurant location in Bloomington may get new tenant
Reporting by Boris Ladwig, The Herald-Times / The Herald-Times
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