The Downtowners’
City Center Newsletter
October 27, 2011
What You Will Find…
□ Dollars Invested and Results
□ ND Downtown Conference
□ Downtown Updates
□ Upcoming Events
□ Association News
Downtown by the Numbers
Dollars Invested and Their Results…
There is a lot of activity happening in Downtown Bismarck, but what exactly does that mean in terms of dollars and results? Here’s a quick breakdown.
Dollars
In just about a decade, Downtown Bismarck has seen a turn around, new businesses, construction, and foot traffic. Much of that can be attributed to two programs. The state run Renaissance Zone Program and city run CORE Program. Each of these programs has made Downtown revitalization accessible and financially attainable. Over 80 Renaissance Zone and CORE projects have been approved in the last 9 years resulting in about $25 million of private investment. Three projects currently underway will add another $32 million. That’s a total of $57 million dollars in a little over ten years. Most of these projects will make up any tax incentives given to them in about 3 to 5 years, after which their exponential increase in value will generate much higher levels of property tax for the city ofBismarck.
Results
This private investment in Downtown Bismarck employees a number of businesses to complete the renovations or new construction. That property then generates more positive results for the community. The two programs used above keep track of the investments. The results, over 40 new businesses and almost 250 full time equivalent jobs. Increases in sales tax, payroll tax, liquor tax and income tax not to mention security knowing these properties will be generating increased property taxes for decades to come. The context of the investment also centers on tax efficiencies. The need for costly infrastructure and repairs is minimal since Downtown is so compact, reducing the tax needs on the community and producing tax moneys. Perhaps the biggest result is that Downtown is actively benefitting our whole city by providing a positive image and financial success.
1st North Dakota Downtown Conference, Nov 8-9
Creating Vital Downtowns for Community Sustainability
Downtowns are important parts of communities. A thriving Downtown can mean money, jobs, and community pride. A struggling Downtown can be problematic. If you are interested in creating vital Downtowns, join us for the Bismarck Downtowners 1st Annual North Dakota Downtown Conference. Developers, planners, business owners, architects, government officials, and Downtown Stakeholders are registering for the conference, will you? We’ll present on North Dakota Downtown topics including redevelopment programs, tax efficiencies, trends, planning, and cohesive design. The conference will be November 8-9 in Downtown Bismarck. Opening speakers will begin at 3pm Nov 8th at Dakota Stage Theater. Day two of the conference will run 8am-4:30pm at the Radisson Ballroom. Downtowner members will receive their registration at a discount for $80. To Download a registration form or for more information on the 1st Annual ND Downtown Conference, visit www.downtownbismarck.com or 223-1958.
Downtown Updates
–The Downtown Bismarck Artist Coop has found a home. A space in the former Bismarck Tribune building on4th St andThayer Ave has been selected. The Artist Coop is scheduled to open December 16.
– Daymarck, a new medical coding business located in theCivic Square building, will be hosting an open house Tuesday November 1st from 1-3pm. Stop by for refreshments and welcome them to the Downtown area! See their newly renovated Renaissance Zone project space in the 1912 structure.521 E Main Ave.
– TheAfterschool Place is holding auditions for their video and theater production activities. The first production called “Under Pressure” will be acted and produced by the kids and deal with issues related to coping with this year’s flooding. Auditions will be Nov 2, 3, and 4. TheAfterschool Place provides activities and fieldtrips for kids after school. Visit www.theafterschoolplace.org.
– A new boutique has opened on5th Stin Downtown Bismarck. Sandra Lee’s recently opened in the former Baskets by Design space just east of Peacock Alley. They specialize in handbags, accessories, and more.
– Anyone interested in spaces for purchase or lease downtown can check out our website’s Real Estate Section.
www.downtownbismarck.com or call for more listings.
Upcoming events
What’s Shakin Downtown…
October 29
Bis-Man Young Professional’s
Halloween Pub Crawl
November 3
1st Thursdays Alive After 5!
DowntownBismarck
November 4-5
Dakota Stage Presents:
“The Strange Dr. Weird”
November 6
Ellen Snortland’s Pulitzer Prize
nominated Solo show.
“Now that She’s Gone”
November 8-9
ND Downtown Conference
November 12
BAGA’s Festival of the Arts
www.bismarck-arts.org
Downtowners’ Association News
Organization and member news …
□ The Downtowners welcomes our newest member!
Glasser Images
□ “Pole ah Tease” Feminine Fitness presented by CC’s Physical Therapy in Downtown Bismarck. Get a great work out with each 90 minute class. Classes meet once a week and incorporate new pole tricks, fun & sexy dance moves, and a little sweat to help you get in shape and ready for the next step; all this while building your confidence as a beautiful, unique woman. When you are done with one level after 6 weeks, you can move up to the next repeat, or take a break (which we don’t think you’ll want to do) as you journey through all 7 awesome, distinctive levels. The schedule for the subsequent session will be posted four weeks prior to the start, so check back frequently to ensure your spot on your journey of becoming a master of sensual dance.
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!