March 16 Downtown Bismarck News

A Long Time Coming…

The City of Bismarck has sent out a request for proposal (RFP) for the redevelopment of city-owned parcel(s) in Downtown Bismarck (city block that occupies the Radisson Hotel). The parcel(s) in downtown Bismarck include either the purchase of the vacant parcel at 630 East Main Avenue and the parcel at 625 East Broadway Avenue. Potential developers may choose from the two options.
History of this block:
The property at 630 E Main Avenue was originally the site of the Lamborn Hotel built in the 1880s in early Bismarck days. Probably most well know as St. Alexius Hospital starting in the late 1880s and later to become the Bismarck Business College. As with many historic buildings, it was razed in 1972 as an urban renewal project. Urban Renewal of this time period is now regarded as a blunder, breaking good urban form and productivity.  The lot and other parcels on the block sat empty for sometime, eventually part of the block was developed as the now Radisson Hotel, a Downtown anchor directly to the north, as well as the Parkade Ramp.  The south portion of the lot never did secure a development and has been off the tax rolls for decades.  The city recently accepted their Infill & Redevelopment Plan, which targets filling these gaps with productive development, which bring us to today:
City staff recommends the redevelopment be a mixed-use building, with active ground-floor uses and some housing with a potential for a new ramp. The site of this redevelopment is in the midst of plenty of attractions, amenities, transportation and future development. Click the tab below for full detail of the RFP and proposal submission. Deadline for proposal is April 30, 2018.

Downtown Events
March 15
Lets Lash Out, Turn Up the Volume!
The Rejuvenation PlaceMarch 15
Open Mic Night
Caffe AromaMarch 15
Jon & Weston of Jon Wayne & The Pain
Elbow Room

March 17
Feminine Cadence
Belle Mehus Auditorium

March 17
Kitchen Cabinet Paint Workshop
Stella’s

March 18
Think&Drink: Investigating Biased Science
Laughing Sun Brewery

March 21
1 Million Cups 
Dakota Stage Ltd.March 22
Young Professionals:Coffee with Senator Erin Oban
Peacock AlleyMarch 23
The Basket “Ball
Missouri Valley Family YMCA

March 25
Spring Ladies Lounge 
Sixteen03 Main Events

March 29
Trivia Night
Sixteen03 Main Events


The Mayor’s Ball for the Art and Humanities is Thursday, March 22 at the North Dakota Heritage Center. There will be a Golden Ticket auctioned off, which will include tickets to many arts and cultural events held in the community throughout the year, including but not limited to: a Gateway to Science Family Pass, Symphony ‘Pick Three’ Tickets, BAGA Festival of the Arts Tickets, two tickets to 2018 Dakota Digital Film Festival, Northern Plains Dance Season Tickets, Downtowners Art & Wine Walk and Central Dakota Children’s Choir Season Tickets for Two. Artists Ali LaRock and Sam Coleman will be creating live paintings that will be auctioned off that evening, as well as other local art. The Mayor’s Ball was created to recognize, support and promote the organizations that contribute to the culture of our community.


St. Patrick’s Day in Downtown Bismarck! Try your luck on the St. Patrick’s Day Crawl presented by member Jerome Distributing. Pick up your free mug and treasure map at Borrowed Bucks Roadhouse. Go from different downtown bars/restaurants and order a featured product or N.A. from Jerome Distributing and receive a mark at each location. All participants with a complete treasure map will have a chance to win prizes! Other downtown locations having celebrations:  Blarney Stone starting at 8am- will have Dinner in Dublin, Irish Dancers, Live Music and trinkets. The District will have drink specials and traditional food.
Please call Lyft, Uber or a Local Taxi Company for a safe drive home.


Now taking vendor applications for the Downtowners Street Fair and Downtowners German Days! Applications for the 45th Annual Downtowners Street Fair Sept 14-15, 2018 are now available. Arts/Crafts or Food Vendor applicants may apply, early-bird deadline is April 23, 2018.  Applications for the 4th Annual Downtowners German Days July 12-14, 2018 are now available. We are looking for German food and craft vendors for this authentic event. For other information regarding events please visit: downtownbismarck.com.


Schedule a Downtown Neighborhood Welcome at your new business, new location or to celebrate a renovation!