ND Downtown Conference
3rd Annual Meeting
Oct 29-30 in Downtown Bismarck
Are we reaching a tipping point? ND Downtowns have made huge strides in the last year to cap off what has certainly been a decade of rediscovering central business district’s benefits in the state. What was once just two (Fargo and Bismarck) staffed Downtown organizations in the state, Downtown Development organizations are now forming and growing. The Minot Downtown Business & Professional Association has hired staff members and are pursuing large development projects in their Downtown. Dickinson is forming a Downtowners Association and doing a Downtown Vision Plan. Grand Forks has recently formed the Grand Forks Downtown Development Association and secured funding for the next 3 years of operation. Williston Downtowners are going through a Downtown Plan and holding public meetings on the process. The momentum is growing.
The 3rd Annual ND Downtown Conference brings together these and many other Downtown Stakeholders from across to the region to learn about Downtown revitalization. From our friends in New Rockford and their healthy Main Street, to regional groups from SD, MN, and MT, this conference truly reaches across community size, profession, and has something for everyone. We invite you to join us for the conference and learn about all the benefits your Downtown has and where you’d like to see it go in the future. There will be two Downtown Development practitioners, panels on Downtown Planning and Downtown Retail, a Walking Tour and social, table activities and much more. If you love downtown and are interested in learning from some great communities, please join us! Register here: http://downtownbismarck.com/annual-nd-downtown-conference
40th Annual Street Fair
Crowds Gathered Rain or Shine
Thanks to everyone for attending!
The “in between” seasons in ND have multiple personalities. Hot one day, snowing the next. While we didn’t have snow in September, it was definitely a tale of two Street Fairs. Even day 2, with all the rain, the community came Downtown to support our long standing Street Fair event. The Downtowners staff and board would like to thank everyone for coming and invite you back next year! We especially want to thank our sponsors and volunteers: Sam’s Club of Bismarck, AARP, BNC Bank, Starion Financial, Kirkwood Bank & Trust, BSC Athletics, Boy Scout Troop #73, Dakota Fence, ABC Seamless, Burleigh County Staff, Copper Kettlecorn, RSVP+, and many more!
Thanks so much, we hope to see you next September for the 41st Annual Downtowners’ Street Fair!
Downtown Bismarck
News & Updates
-The final Quiet Rail report goes to the Bismarck City Commission on Tuesday October 8. Attendance from Quiet Rail supporters is encouraged. The working steering committee made up of railroad authorities, the Downtowners, private property owners, city staff and commissioners, have worked since this spring on prepping for the implementation of Quiet Rail on crossings at 3rd St, 5th St, and 12th St to be paid for from TIF Funds. City Commissioners will have discussion on moving the project forward onto the next stage at the Oct 8 meeting. Attendees are welcome at the City County building on 5th St at 5:15pm.
–Lucky Ducks Deli on 3rd Street is expanding. Owners Russ and Heather Kadlec have gained approval from the Bismarck Renaissance Zone Authority and City Commission for a building expansion on a portion of their patio space to the south. They hope to add a full liquor license and bar, as well as additional seating. The expansion plans show a two-story addition. Lucky Ducks Deli & Catering opening one year ago in October. The Renaissance Zone Application will now to the state for approval.
–FireFlour Pizza is expanding into an adjacent store front space. The pizzeria will be doubling it’s size from 900 to 1840 square feet when it encompasses Sandra Lee’s former space directly south of it’s existing location. FireFlour Pizza opened about 11 months ago on 5th St. Their application now goes on to the state for approval.
–Red Wing Shoes expansion is complete. The additional space will allow owner Troy Barber to carry more work-wear like jeans, coveralls, shirts in addition to their boots. Visit them on 6th Street right next to the Radisson.
–Luft Bar, the rooftop area of the new Gulch Block Building, opened September 6. The restaurant portion, Humpback Sally’s, is under construction. Visit Luft Bar on Facebook for the latest details or find them at 510 E Main Ave.
-Construction continues on the Sixth and Thayer Parking Ramp. Portions of off-street parking adjacent to the project along 6th Street and Thayer Ave have been closed. Please consider using the parking ramps if off street parking is full
.–If you are considering a downtown development or renovation of a Downtown building, the CORE Incentive Programs are once again available through the City of Bismarck. The CORE Programs currently active are Façade Improvements, Housing Incentive Grant, Technical Assistance Bank, and Sidewalk Subsurface Infill. The programs are designed to encourage reinvestment, rehabilitation, and new development in the Downtown area. For more information contact the Downtowners or Jason Tomanek at the City of Bismarck at 701-355-1849.
-– The Bismarck Parking Authority is offering free evening parking in the 3rd and Main Ramp from 4pm to 2am daily. With continued activity and nightlife in Downtown Bismarck, the ramps allow the public to enjoy the city center and not have to search for street parking. *How the After Hour Complementary Parking Works: Use the entrance to the 3rd & Main Ramp on 3rd Street. Pull into the ramp and pull a time stamped ticket. The arm will raise and allow the car through to park. When exiting the ramp, simply use the hourly lane and deposit your ticket in the slot, the arm will already be raised to allow the cars to exit. There is no leeway on timing. If you enter at 3:59pm or exit at 2:01am, the customer will be charged the normal hourly rate.
Downtowners’ Association
Member News
Welcome to the newest members of the Downtowners!
United Printing
117 W Front Ave
Bismarck ND 58501
Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota
418 E Broadway Ave
Bismarck ND 58501
You can find all our members information at www.downtownbismarck.com
–Member Kittson as part of their 1st Anniversary celebration, Ladies Night at Kittson-Bismarck is scheduled for Thursday, October 17th from 5-8pm will host local band Tigirlily. They will be doing a special live performance and autograph signing. Member Bombshell Salon will also be joining Kittson and offering hair styling and make-up tips & tricks.
-Send your member news and events to Kate@downtownbismarck.com.
What’s Shakin’ Downtown?
Events Downtown
Oct 3
1st Thursdays Alive After 5
Downtown Bismarck
www.downtownbismarck.com
October 8
Bis-Man Symphony Orchestra:
“American Trombone”
www.bismarckmandansymphony.org
October 8
Bismarck Art & Galleries Assoc
69th Annual Fall Art Show
www.bismarck-art.org
October 10-20
Dakota Stage Presents:
Who’s On First
www.dakotastageltd.com
October 19
Bis-Man Symphony Orchestra Presents:
“The Importance of Home” @ The Belle
www.bismarckmandansymphony.org
October 25
Bismarck Parks & Rec
All City Halloween Party @ WW Memorial Bldg
www.bisparks.org
October 26
Fraternal Order of Police hosts:
The Monster Dash 5K & 10K
www.bisparks.org
October 30
Dakota Stage Presents “Flashback Films”:
Ghostbusters rated PG
www.dakotastageltd.com