We Value Bloomington-Normal

BLOOMINGTON — Verizon has sold its property on East Empire Street in Bloomington to a New York-based real estate firm for $4.96 million, the communications company announced Tuesday.

Verizon put the 117,539 square foot office building on the market in February 2006 because the company no longer needed the space. Many of the 128 workers there have already transferred to offices in downtown Bloomington and Normal.

The GHP deal includes two office buildings and two parking lots on 8.6 acres of property, according to documents Verizon filed with the ICC.

According to the documents, Verizon agrees to lease space from GHP for at least two years.

The Empire Street building dates to 1957. When constructed, Verizon placed a time capsule on the property.

Parcels: 14-34-480-027 AV $2,225,297  and 14-34-480-017  $79,961