The Downtowners’
City Center Newsletter
January 5, 2012
What You Will Find…
□ Downtown in 2012
□ Starion Lunch and Learn
□ Downtown Updates
□ Upcoming Events
□ Association News
What Will 2012 Bring to Downtown?
Upcoming Projects Slated for this Year…
2012 looks to be another great year for growth in Downtown Bismarck, building off 2011’s success. So what can we expect early in 2012? Look for construction to take shape.
Dr. Becker’s building on the 500 block ofMain Avewill begin construction, with demolition nearly complete. The building will be four stories on the back half of the property and two stories on the storefront half of the lot. On top of the second story will be a roof top patio. Dr. Becker is looking to have his own restaurant/bar in the building, another restaurant (most likely by the owners of Eastern ND Thai Restaurants), plenty of new office space and skywalk connections into the Parkade Ramp.
Broadway Centre on Mandan St and Broadway has been doing dirt work, foundation work, and underground parking construction through the last quarter of 2011. Look for the building to take shape in 2012. The largest construction project to make its way to Downtown Bismarck in decades will have upscale spacious condos, retail/office space, and a restaurant headed up by owners Steve and Carla Pine.
AmericanBankCenter’s new building and UND Family Medicine’s new facility will both be completed in 2012. AmericanBankCenterwill move some of their mortgage department into the building along with other employees from the bank. UND Family Medicine will vacate their current location in the Parkade Ramp upon completion of the new facility. Medcenter One currently has an option on that space and renovations are taking place to repair the elevator and reconstruct entrances and access to the building.
JL Beers, a Fargobased burger and beer restaurant, has sent in their project application for Renaissance Zone consideration. The owners completed restaurants in West Fargo, Grand Forks, and Moorheadin 2011. Sioux Fallsand Bismarckwere scheduled to be two of the new locations in 2012. Look for renovations on their Bismarcklocation (former Bain Agency building on 3rd St) to begin sometime after the Renaissance Zone process moves through the city and state.
A medical ramp between 7th and 9th streets looks like a very good possibility to start construction in 2012. The suspected ramp could be very large, possibly holding 1,300 spaces. An RFQ had been sent out a few weeks ago.
The Radisson started an update of dozens of rooms and the ballroom in 2011 and plans to complete the update in 2012. The only hotel in the central Downtown district has been running at 90% occupancy.
Possibilities for 2012:
The Renaissance Zone Authority recently worked on their growth goals and objectives for the next 1-2 years. They identified a few areas they’d like Downtown Bismarck to move towards.
(1) Increase Market Rate Housing: Downtown Bismarck is currently experiencing a large market rate housing crunch. Market rate is more commonly thought of as average priced housing for a certain area. Currently the majority of Downtown Bismarck’s living space is low-income, HUD housing, or transitional housing. Opportunities for developers looking to put in market rate housing with no income or program restrictions for applicants would be met with great anticipation. With more market rate residential opportunities come more support businesses geared to making Downtown a 24 hour hub of activity. Corner markets for small grocery items, restaurants, and the like would pop up to meet this new market rate residential demographic.
(2) Storefront Space: 2011 had a record number of new businesses move into Downtown or open in storefront spaces. However, the demand remains high for storefront space for restaurant and retail. With new businesses also come new jobs, another goal of the RZA in 2012. Look for property owners to open up storefront space by moving office spaces into upper levels or building new storefront construction.
(3) Infrastructure Needs: With more and more people coming to Downtown Bismarck in 2011-2012, more and more infrastructure needs presented themselves. Everything from parking to a community square for events, to new construction possibilities in vacant lots outside of theChancellor Squarearea and bike lanes. Look for new ways the public and new business will fill the demand for Downtown Bismarck to become a destination and smallUrbanCenter.
2012 is going to be the year the momentum that has been building in Downtown Bismarck begins to show us the new face of the city center. Stay tuned to our website, Facebook pages, and newsletters to keep up with all the growth!
Starion Hosting Credit Score Lunch for Downtown Employees
Starion Financial is hosting a lunch and learn for Downtown employees Wednesday, January 18 from 12-1pm. Enjoy soup, sandwiches and learn the secrets to impoving your credit score. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn how how to improve your credit score. Please RSVP by Friday, January 13 by calling Melissa at 667-1639 or emailing melissaf@starionfinancial.com.
Downtown Updates
-New language regarding theDowntown streetparking ordinance will be introduced at the January 10 Bismarck City Commission meeting. The potential new language will reflect new ticketing and monitoring systems and will be similar toFargo’s policy of re-parking in the same area. If you are interested in learning about the proposed new language, the public is welcome to attend the meeting. They begin at 5:15 in the Tom Baker room of the City/County Building. Or can be viewed on Dakota Media Access’ channel and website. www.dakotamediaaccess.org.
-Snowflake lights and banners are up, please take caution if you are in a delivery truck. If you accidentally hit one, please report it to our office or the city and we can get it taken care of. Thanks!
-Anyone interested in spaces for purchase or lease downtown can check out our website’s Real Estate Section. www.downtownbismarck.com.
Upcoming events
What’s Shakin Downtown
January 6
BAGA Exhibit Opening
Reception 5-7pm
223-5986
January 10
Bismarck CityCommission
5:15pm City/County Building
January 26-Feb 5
Dakota Stage Presents:
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Downtowners’ Association News
Organization and member news …
Welcome to Our Newest Members!
Find all of their information on our website!
CC’s Feminine Fitness Youthworks
□ 2012 Downtowners Membership Renewals were sent out in December, be on the look out for yours!
□ The 39th Annual Downtowners Street Fair vendor applications will also be sent out in January. Those would participated in last years Street Fair will receive 2012 applications. If you’d like one, please email getit@downtownbismarck.com.
□ Teen Cupcake Decorating and Book Discussion @Bismarck Public Library Monday, January 16, 2-4 pm, Bismarck Public Library Meeting Room B. Join teens ages 14+ and have fun decorating cupcakes. Class will be taught by a local cake decorating expert. Afterwards creations will be enjoyed and teens will discuss the book The Maze Runner by James Dashner. Space is limited, so call 355-1487 to save a spot for yourself and a friend. Enjoy your day off from school at the library! Presented by the Teen Services Department.
□ Three Faces of Christianity study series will start January 9 at First Presbyterian Church in Downtown Bismarck. For more information visit: www.fpcbismarck.com.
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!