The Downtowners’
City Center Newsletter
September 1, 2011
What You Will Find…
□ Bismarck Theaters
□ Street Fair Sept 16-17
□ Downtown Updates and Conference
□ Downtowners’ Fall Mixer Sept 20
□ Upcoming Events
□ Association News
Bismarck Theaters
A Little Known Bismarck Theater…
Many longtime Bismarck residents recall seeing movies Downtown, whether it was at the Dakota Theater on 4th and Rosser or the Capitol Theater (now Dakota Stage) on Main Ave. One theater that isn’t often mentioned is the Paramount Theater. Located on N 3rd St, it was decorated with an elaborate marquee. It opened just weeks before the stock market crashed in October 1929. In this photo you can see multiple double door entries, glass displays containing posters for shows upcoming and currently playing. Also visible is the ticket booth that comes a foot out from the building, the lower portion of which is covered in a light masonry stone. The marquee shows what’s playing, “Is Everybody Happy” starring Ted Lewis, Alice Day and Ann Pennington. What’s also noticeable is the home just north of the theater. This mixed used planning idea (residential, retail, services all together) was heavily used in Downtowns and produces tax efficiencies to this date. Craftsmen and architects created these beautiful structures, it reminds us to treasure the ones we still have.
Currently the site is home to the US Bank building and a small parking structure.
38th Annual Downtowners’ Street Fair
Voted Best Fair 2011, Sept 16-17…
Bismarck’s longest running outdoor fair is back! The Downtowners’ Street Fair will set up shop before the start of fall on Sept 16-17. 180 Food, Arts, and Crafters will be lining the streets of Downtown Bismarck and offering up your favorites and some new things to experience! The Downtowners’ Street Fair was recently voted “Best Festival” in the Bismarck Tribune’s Reader’s Choice Awards, thanks everyone who voted! Stop by the information booth on the corner of 4th and Broadway to get a map of all the vendors and say hi to our sponsors and volunteers. If you’d like to be a sponsor of Street Fair and support this long running fundraiser, please contact the Downtowners office.
Friday Sept 16: 10am-8pm
Saturday Sept 17: 9am-6pm
Visit www.downtownbismarck.com and click on the Street Fair tab for more information, see you Downtown!
Downtown Updates
-The Bismarck Renaissance Zone was an agenda item during the Sept 23 City Commission meeting. Commissioner Seminary asked that the RZA look at the programs and possibly minimize the tax benefit. The topic will move to the RZA for discussion.
-The Cowan Building, located on 4th and Broadway, is for sale. We’ve had many inquiries at the Downtowners office. Its five floors plus a basement and vault area. Anyone interesting in more information about purchasing the property can call the Downtowners at 701-223-1958 and we’ll get you to the proper people who can help.
-The Social Space has opened on Broadway Ave in the KFYR-TV building. Focusing on social media and online presence for companies as well as other services.
-Anyone interested in spaces for purchase or lease downtown can check out our website’s Real Estate Section. www.downtownbismarck.com
-The Barrister Building on 4th and Main Ave has leased space to Kaysi Jochim Therapeutics. Kaysi plans on opening Sept 1.
Downtowners’ To Host Statewide Conference
As mentioned in the August 18 Downtown E-Newsletter, The Bismarck Downtowners will be hosting a statewide conference focused on North Dakota Downtown topics including redevelopment programs, tax efficiencies, trends, planning, and cohesive design. The presenters and program will be announced shortly. The conference will be November 8-9 in Bismarck. Anyone interested in Downtown topics are welcome to attend. Stay tuned to our website and newsletters for the latest information.
Upcoming events
What’s Shakin Downtown…
Sept 1
1st Thursdays: Alive After 5!
Downtown Bismarck
www.downtownbismarck.com
Sept 8-11
United Tribes
International Powwow
www.uttc.edu
Sept 10
Bis-Man Symphony Orchestra
Season Opener- Belle Mehus
www.bismarckmandansymphony.org
Sept 16-17
38th Annual Downtowners’
Street Fair
www.downtownbismarck.com
Sept 24-25
Applefest
Buckstop Junction
www.bismarckcancercenter.com
Sept 24
Dakota Stage Presents:
Living Masterpieces
www.dakotastageltd.com
Downtowners’ Fall Mixer Sept 20
New York Life’s new space…
New York Life member agents will be is hosting the Downtowners’ Fall Mixer Tuesday Sept 20 from 5-7pm. They will be grilling burgers and brats on the patio! Come and network with other Downtowners and get a look at the newly refurbished office space. Evites will be going out to members two weeks prior to the event.
1101 E Front Ave, west of the Bistro. See you there!
Downtowners’ Association News
Organization and member news …
□ The Downtowners welcome a new member:
The After School Place
□ Amish Country Furnishings opened Aug 16, corner of 4th and Main. Stop by and check it out!
□ Anyone interested in being a Director of the Board for the Downtowners Association can contact the office at 223-1958. There will be a few spots opening in January 2012.
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!