Market News

Ring of Fire Hot Glass Acquires 305 S. Center Street, Bloomington, IL

Internationally renowned glass artist John Miller relocating studio, plans Route 66–inspired
museum in downtown Bloomington

Bloomington, Illinois – [December 18, 2025] – AXIS 360 Commercial Real Estate Specialists
announced the sale of the historic commercial building at 305 S. Center Street in downtown
Bloomington to glass artist John Miller, owner of Ring of Fire Hot Glass. Miller will relocate his
glassblowing studio and gallery from his current Washington Street location to the newly
acquired building, with long-term plans to create a Route 66–themed glass art destination and
museum.

Miller is internationally known for his larger-than-life glass sculptures of food, creating playful,
hyper-realistic pieces such as oversized donuts, hamburgers, ice cream cones, and other iconic
American fare. His work is commissioned by clients from around the world and has appeared in
prominent public and private collections.

The move to 305 S. Center Street will give Ring of Fire Hot Glass expanded studio space,
improved visibility, and room to grow into a multi-purpose destination. The new location is
envisioned not only as a working hot glass studio and gallery, but eventually as a Route 66–
inspired museum experience that celebrates both Miller’s work and Bloomington’s place along
the historic highway.

“The sale of 305 S. Center Street is a win for downtown Bloomington on several levels,” said
Meghan O’Neal-Rogozinski of AXIS 360 Commercial Real Estate Specialists. “John is bringing
a truly distinctive, world-class creative enterprise into a historic building along the coveted Route
66 corridor. It’s the kind of project that strengthens downtown as both a cultural destination and
a great place to do business.” Meghan represented John in the purchase of the building, which
last operated as Bumper to Bumper auto parts store.