A Pull to West Downtown
Downtown Bismarck is continuing to expand it’s boundaries, or rather showcase the edges of our City Center. A common question is, where are the boundaries of Downtown Bismarck? Well, that’s a tough question to answer. There are zoning boundaries, Parking District Boundaries, physical edges and cut-offs, and then there’s the part most people think is exclusively Downtown, Chancellor Square. The actually answer is the boundaries of Downtown are all the walkable areas in the central business district. That includes south of the railroad tracks, west of 3rd street, north of Rosser, east along Main Ave.
Four applications for Downtown projects were approved through Bismarck’s Renaissance Zone Tuesday, all of which are in the western part of Downtown Bismarck. It’s an emerging Downtown neighborhood with it’s own identity and feel. Historically it was the first Irish neighborhood in Bismarck, pre-1900, nicknamed Kerry Patch referencing the County Kerry in Ireland where the families were from. When West Downtown switched from residential to more commercial, it housed industrial businesses like the International Harvester Company, Fleck Motors, and more single story structures.
Keep your eyes on the revitalization of this Downtown neighborhood.
Dakota Digital Film Festival April 25
Kickoff for the 2014 Dakota Digital Film Festival is just around the corner, April 25 at the Belle Mehus in Downtown Bismarck. Day sessions and screenings will start at 9:00am, with a large student film maker contingent showing off their skills and learning from professional film makers. Evening session starts at 7:00pm with an after party to follow at the Peacock Alley. Submitted films were juried and the selections chosen come from far and wide, including filmmakers from New York to New Zealand. Locally, Downtowners member D & N Cinematics will have a one of their short films screened. Tickets for the evening session are $15 and can be purchased online, by phone, or in person. Visit www.dakotadigitalfilmfestival.com.
Petroleum Conference Growing
It’s some of the busiest days of the year in Downtown Bismarck as we welcome the Williston Basin Petroleum Conference every other Spring. This year’s conference looks to be one of the largest in Civic Center history. The shops, services, retaurants and bars will be rolling out the welcome signs and encouraging conference goers to experience all Downtown Bismarck has to offer. Mark your calendars May 20-22 for an action packed few days.
Downtown Bismarck News
Four applications were approved by the Bismarck Renaissance Zone Authority on Tuesday. Two applications for Renaissance Zone Program designation, Pure Skin and Broadway Centre Salon & Spa, will be tenants in the new Broadway Centre building on West Broadway Ave. Two applications for the CORE Technical Assistance Program, Laughing Sun Brewing Company and Electronic Building Company, were approved. All four now move to the City Commission for approval, the two Renaissance Zone projects need to seek additional approval from the state.
Association News
Member Bis-Man Transit is celebrating 10 years of the CAT Bus with an open house May 6 from 2-5pm. A Bismarck-Mandan Chamber ribbon cutting is schedule for 2pm and will kick off the open house. Please join the CAT Bus crew for the celebration!
Member Dakota Stage Theater is hosting a Season 36 Announcement Party Thursday April 24 from 7-9pm. Members of the business community and public are encouraged to attend. Please RSVP to artdir@dakotastageltd.com. Desserts and wine will be provided by Members Peacock Alley and Sam’s Club, followed by the season presentation, previews, and entertainment.
Dakota Stage Theater
1603 Main Events
Capitol to Civic Center
Please email member news and events to Kate@downtownbismarck.com.
You can find all our members information at www.downtownbismarck.com.
Downtowners Association of Bismarck