August 6 Downtown Bismarck News

Main Ave “Road Diet” Trial

(Picture below featured in the Downtown Bismarck Sub-area Study)

Bismarck City Commissioners have approved a trial run for the 4 to 3 lane Main Ave conversion or “Road Diet” to start Spring 2016. The roadway configuration change was a recommendation in the Downtown Sub-area Study.  Public input, traffic studies, online surveys, and public hearings were held showcasing a more pedestrian friendly 3 lane Main Ave in Bismarck.  According to US Department of Transportation, roads like Main Ave are good candidates for this 3 lane configuration.  The traffic study also indicated that a correctly configured 3 lane Main Ave can handle the vehicle capacity similar to the current 4 lane set up. The reasoning?  A dedicated left turn lane allows the street to function better at key intersections.  Vehicles will not back up behind a car attempting a left turn as they have a tendency to do now with the current 4 lane system at peak traffic times.

The Main Ave reconfiguration could have a large positive impact on making Downtown Bismarck more pedestrian friendly, with the intent of spurring more retail and housing growth in the city center.  The trial run will be done with basic re-striping and signage.  Parking will remain unchanged, and lane widths will increase slightly and become more standard.
The area identified for the Main Ave 3 lane conversion is approximately Washington overpass area, east to 7th Street.
The Downtown Sub-Area Study, which included this Main Ave change, is proving to be popular with many private sector stakeholders.  Projects like an enhanced 5th Street Development, the “Depot Plaza” community gathering space, increased housing and commercial infill, have attracted local and nationwide champions focused on their implementation.
For more information visit www.bismarcknd.gov.

Association News 

Welcome to our newest member!
Known in 60 Media L.L.C.
Known in 60 Media L.L.C. in an un-agency that will increase your ROC, not the money you spend. They work on flat fees and percentages to ensure you get your message placed in the right right place for the smallest cost possible.
http://www.knownin60.com

Prairie Zen Botanicals
Prairie Zen Botanicals has recently leased space for their Aromatherapy Center and Boutique in the Logan’s on 3rd building Downtown Bismarck. They will celebrate their Grand Opening on Thursday, August 13, 2015 from 4pm-7pm at their new location: 120 N. 3rd St., Suite 25 (lower level), Downtown Bismarck. There will be special discounts on products in the boutique, tours of the Aromatherapy Center, door prizes and hors d’oeuvres.
Prairie Zen Botanicals provides aromatherapy consultations by a certified Aromatherapist,custom aromatherapy products, classes and workshops, and a retail section carrying essential oils, carrier oils, containers and natural bath, body and skincare products.http://www.prairiezenbotanicals.com  

Member Juniper, LLC will be having an open house Wednesday, August 19, 2015 from 3pm-7pm (brief ribbon cutting program at 5pm). Please RSVP by August 14. Join them for a tour of their new space and a casual celebratory toast. Juniper is now located on 315 E. Broadway Ave., right above the Toasted Frog. Visit their event page for more information.
https://www.facebook.com/events/739526689526812/

Member Seeds of Hope has opened a Halloween Store in the lower level of the Seeds of Hope Thrift and Gift Store at 520 E. Main. The store features hundreds of costumes ranging from infants to adults, and it has accessories including wigs, makeup, hats, masks pumpkins and much more. Sales proceeds are used by AARC in its mission to serve victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and their children in a seven-country area in south-central North Dakota.

Downtown News

State Historical Site Camp Hancock in Downtown Bismarck will be a part of the Missouri Slope United Way’s Day of Caring on August 12.  Volunteers will plant trees, trim existing trees, move flower beds and replant flowers.  The Full Day Event runs 7:30am-4pm.  Volunteers are still needed, visit http://www.volunteerbisman.com/aam/general/need/?doc_id=1596&need_id=104292 to sign up.