The Downtowners’
City Center Newsletter
April 7, 2011
What You Will Find…
□ Possible Future Parking Ramps
□ DBA Spring Mixer April 19
□ Downtown Updates
□ Upcoming Events
□ Mixer/DBA Association News
New Parking Ramp Discussions
Possibility of New Ramps in Different Locations…
Downtowns come in all shapes and sizes, but the one thing all city centers have in common are dense buildings patterns. This usually creates a need for parking structures.
Downtown Bismarck isn’t any different. While the density of Downtown Bismarck has its pros (tax efficiencies, mixed use efficiencies, limited road and infrastructure maintenance and a pedestrian district) it also has its challenges. With the medical district and some large employers located downtown, parking structures are well used from 8am-5pm.
The city and the medical community have recognized the need for a fourth parking structure in the city center, and possibly a fifth.
8th Street Ramp
One possible location for a parking structure is 8th Street between the two hospitals. The medical community and the City of Bismarck have had discussions about a Medical Ramp to alleviate the need for more surface lots. It’s possible that the 2 Hospitals and the future UND Family Medicine employees would share an 8th Street Ramp. Interested parties are still in talks about the 8th Street Ramp, its possible funding, and future management.
6th Street Ramp
Another location for a possible Downtown Ramp is 6th Street between Broadway & Thayer across from the WW Memorial Building. This Ramp had gone through the bid award process, plans were drawn, and engineering had been working. Just before the ramp was to break ground, an individual sued the City halting ramp and shelving all the paid work. This ramp would provide parking farther north in the Downtown area. Its unknown if this ramp would continue once the Lawsuit is resolved.
Downtowners’ Member Mixer April 19
Host: First Community Credit Union
Evites have been sent out for the Downtowners’ Spring Mixer April 19 at First Community Credit Union. Come by from 5-7pm and see the newly remodeled FCCU! Register to win door prizes including Ribfest VIP tickets!
You can also email Kate@downtownbismarck.com to RSVP!
Downtown updates
Trash Pickup, Blarney Expands, Parking Ramps…
-As the snow melts, it reveals some of the trash that has accumulated over the winter. To make our Downtown beautiful, please pick up any trash that you see! You may use the public cans at the street corners or your dumpster. Thanks!
-Owners of the Blarney Stone have purchased the building directly to the east. The space will be used to expand the Blarney Stone Irish Pub.
-Anyone interested in spaces for purchase or lease downtown can check out our website’s Real Estate Section. www.downtownbismarck.com/realestate.aspx
-With the continued growth downtown, we’d like to remind everyone how to use the 3 public Parking Ramps. Visit www.bismarckparkingauthority.com for the how-to’s, rates, and usage.
Upcoming events
What’s Shakin?
April 7 TONIGHT!
1st Thursdays: Alive After 5!
Open late with specials!
April 9
Medcenter One’s Great American
Something Borrowed: Bolero & More!
Belle Mehus Auditorium
April 19
Downtowners Spring Mixer
5-7pm
@First Community Credit Union
April 24
Easter Sunday
April 28
Bis/Man Chamber’s Spring Mixer
Ramkota Hotel
Downtowners’ Association News
Organization and member news …
□ The Downtown Business Association would like to welcome our newest members! URL Radio and Anger Management Institute. You can find all of their information on our website www.downtownbismarck.com.
□ The Downtowner’s will have a booth at the Chamber’s Spring Mixer April 28. Come by and say hi to Dawn and Kate! Register to win Ribfest Tickets and other great stuff. We like to thank
J2 Studios Architecture+ Design for sponsoring the Downtowners’ booth! Thank you!
□ The next 1st Thursdays Downtown- Alive After 5 will be April 7 from 5pm-8pm. Please come our and support our Downtown Businesses!
□ Early Registration Street Fair Applications are due on April 22.
□ Membership Renewal Notices were mailed out in late December. Please contact the Downtowners’ office if you haven’t received your renewal notice or if you have run out of spaces on your membership plaque for your 2011 tag.
Please send all member business news and events to: kate@downtownbismarck.com. Check the Downtown Business Association’s websites for updated news and events www.downtownbismarck.com or www.bismarckribfest.com
Please forward this on to people interested in Downtown news!
Downtowners’ 4th Annual
Rip- Roarin Ribfest
June 16-18
Downtowners’ 38th Annual
Street Fair
Sept 16-17