Fargo-Moorhead developments information [Archive] - Page 7

NanoBison

Jul 30, 2006, 8:03 PM

I wouldn't do anything to Newman Field FMisthebest, I love that stadium and it's typically rated as one of the best in the nation in terms of the baseball league we are in.

I do agree with you though on the Civic Center. I'm not all that impressed with it, and I've never liked the looked of it from the outside. Apparently though, it gets quite a bit of use when we have smaller acts (Weird Al, Alice Cooper, Carrot Top, Gallagher, etc) and other trade shows, career fairs, etc... When Fargo built the Civic Center, I think they really underplayed what it could have become. I'd like to see us move to a model closer to what Minneapolis has for their Convention Center (obviously not on that scale).

I think they should bulldoze the 4 city block area containing the Library, City Hall, Civic Center and Adjacent Parking Lot. Open the area up to developers. I bet you we would see high rises pop up right along the river. Unfortunately the City of Fargo is the body with the monopoly on downtown riverside land.

Other things that need to be done are a :

New City Hall
New Downtown Fire Deparment
New Fargo Library ( I hate the currently proposed design of recycling the old building )
Bigger Better Civic Center
Downtown Performing Arts Center ( I hope the current library planning committee isn't the group that handles this next... They've failed miserably in my opinion )

Now you're idea of building a Civic Center in Moorhead is definitely an interesting one. They have the space to do it, and it would pull more people downtown for them. It would also free up space for private development along the river. If you build it right and use tons of glass windows, you could also have a decent view of downtown Fargo.... very interesting... However, I'm not sure if moving the Civic Center to Moorhead might negatively affect the Radisson and Howard Johnson hotels...

Another thing, as I've mentioned a few times before, that plot of land occupied by MidAmerican Steel would be perfect for any of the above developments and MidAmerican Steel really should be in the Fargo Industrial Park....

;)

F-Misthebest

Jul 30, 2006, 8:54 PM

What would you say if Fargo built like... a multi storey Target downtown. Would it affect it positivley or negativley?

I do agree about what we need downtown.

NanoBison

Jul 31, 2006, 1:30 AM

I think if they were to build anything, other than a walmart downtown, it would affect it positively. Plus I don't think the population directly on the edge of downtown would want one. If Fargo was to develop a multi-storey Target or Barnes & Noble (Like Minneapolis/IDS Tower), or another popular attraction on 13th or one that the city doesn't have yet, I think that would greatly improve downtown. The things that hurt downtown are businesses with a few clients or questionable products (ABC Bookstore, why would you PAY for porn? It's called the Internet people!!!) or building owners not willing to fix up their property ever.

Question though, do multi-storey Targets even exist? Does anyone have an image of what one looks like?

:shrug:

NanoBison

Jul 31, 2006, 2:11 AM

So anyways, I went out and did some driving (a friend drove through town and stopped for dinner, so I HAD to go outside today (104 degrees)). I snapped some pics with my new digital camera. It's a cheapy ($89/BestBuy), but it works ok. Keep in mind I didn't put too much effort into getting the images straight or proper lighting... I was just playing. Anyways, I snapped these :

Here's a Line Up of the SkyLine of Fargo
http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/7623/fargohighriselineuppq2.jpg

The newly rennovated Kayes Printing Build (Now Condos)
http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/1343/kayesprintingbuildingfarac6.jpg

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/2774/kayesprintingbuilding01qn1.jpg

http://img54.imageshack.us/img54/7687/kayesprintingbuilding02ao4.jpg

The Universal Building being rennovated by TL Stroh. (Is there a reason we have Powerlines above ground downtown???)
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/3844/universalbuildingbj6.jpg

New Middle School on 13th Ave. (Nearly Complete)
http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/9458/middleschool13thavehd0.jpg

I'll put some more up later once it cools down...

Paintballer1708

Jul 31, 2006, 5:09 AM

Nice job, Nano. That school looks very nice. Looks like one they are building near me. How bad is the humidity in North Dakota? Here in Pittsburgh we hit about 90 degrees, but it felt oppressive and had the air conditioning running all day. Didnt want to step outside. And my grass is turning brown :hell:. I should raise the mower so it wont cut so low, lol. Thats probaly the problem.

Anyway, it would be nice if Fargo could get a new highrise added to its skyline. To fill it in a little more, to add more density. Can't wait to see more of the photos of Fargo. Im headed out there August 10th. Looking forward to it.

Paintballer1708

Jul 31, 2006, 5:18 AM

Also to add about the Target downtown. I think IMHO it would affect it negativley. I dont know what it is like in downtown Fargo, but adding a chain store that probaly should be in the suburbs would put a damper on the downtown. A downtown usually has stores that are only located right there, stores that you would find no where else in the metro. Like a single store that in the downtown competes with other stores that are family owned and runned. So adding a chain store would put all these smaller businesses out of business. There for creating a large chunk of the downtown dead with a large Target in one spot. This is just my opinion and i could be wrong. But i have seen alot of chain stores move in and take smaller stores out of business.

NanoBison

Jul 31, 2006, 6:38 AM

Hey Paintballer, the humidity on Sunday was absolutely horrible. We hit 103/104 according to the weather channel. According to the "heat index" it felt like it was 115. Sad thing is, in Pierre, SD it was 115 (that's not the heat index). Alot of areas in Fargo, not next to a major source of water are turning brown. Even the NDSU campus, which is usually beautiful this time of year, is turning brown. Thankfully though next to the river it's still green...

Looking towards the Hjemkomst Center from the Moorhead Center Mall Ramp
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/6726/riveramericansugarlc2.jpg

We should be getting some rain here tomorrow. Hopefully.

NanoBison

Jul 31, 2006, 6:51 AM

In terms of a chain hurting downtown business. I can see both sides of the arguement.

Positive Effect : I think it would obviously draw more people downtown and also at the same time provide another reason for people to live downtown. (i.e. "why should I live downtown, when I shop near West Acres") It would also add directly into the downtown tax base. The West Fargo school system wouldn't see any of that money. More retail establishments like this, near or in downtown, would possibly offset ever growing property taxes...

Negative Effect : It might possibly draw customers away from places like Metro Drug, small nick-nack stores, definitely Kieffers, etc. However I'm always thinking down the road when we might have an additional 10,000+ living/working downtown. At that point it, I believe it would be sustainable. If it went in right now, I think Kieffers would have to close as well as some smaller shops. However, the higher-end stores like The Red Shoe, Lina K's, A.K.A. and others would probably be fine, since Target doesn't carry $200.00 jeans or $400.00 shoes, etc. Also, I wouldn't put it DIRECTLY downtown. I'd place it over directly west of University, once that area had started to redevelop itself.

The unfortunate thing is, every decision on downtown has positive and negative impacts, there are no WIN-WIN situations (this is arguable, but I think if someone really thought about it, they could find a group who were negatively affected by any one of the decisions made on downtown, in terms of permanent developments.). We just have to choose the right ones, the ones with more positives than negatives...

:tup:

Paintballer1708

Aug 1, 2006, 2:16 AM

I agree 110%, Nano. Your right if you get a higher population and a good growth rate of more people moving to downtown then a business like Target will survive along with the smaller businesses. I can't wait to get to Fargo and check this city out along with its downtown.

F-Misthebest

Aug 1, 2006, 4:25 PM

I agree as well Nano. Both positive and negative arguments are very good points.

I read in one of those downtown packets that 17,000 people work, shop, and live in downtown.

NanoBison

Aug 1, 2006, 10:45 PM

The 17,000 figure I've heard elsewhere before and have seen on the City's website (I don't remember where though...). Now imagine what would happen to downtown if we added another 10,000 people. It would be a pretty swank place!!! They really do need to address the lower and middle income family housing need in downtown before I see it really taking off, otherwise it's going to be a slow and long process of adding a few upperclass citizens every year...

NanoBison

Aug 1, 2006, 10:56 PM

Here are some pics I snapped today. Pardon the quality, the weather is poopy.

NDSU Research Park : Alien Technology Building
This is pretty much complete and should open shortly.
http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/2651/alientechnologiesch6.jpg

NDSU Research Park : Technology Incubator Building (Phase I) (http://www.ndsuresearchpark.com/news/newsletter/2004_vol2_issue1/architect.html)
Structural Steel is going up quickly.
http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/3172/techincubatorly6.jpg

What it should look like when it's finished :
http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/4688/techincubatorfinishedpw7.jpg

NDSU Student Wellness Center :
The structural steel is going up and you can see how much taller the structure will be than the current wellness center.
http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/9332/wellnesscenterve8.jpg

More to come later...

:banana:

SmileyBoy

Aug 2, 2006, 3:26 AM

Those are awesome pictures, Nano. PLEASE put them up in the City Photos forum!!!:cheers:

Also, I noticed that the huge plot of land west of the Pioneer Center near 13th and 9th in West Fargo is being plowed even further. Lots more survey sticks are up. This is commercial land, which makes me real excited for what might go up there.

One more thing: Houses in the Osgood and east of Osgood areas in South Fargo are sprouting up like freaking MUSHROOMS!! I swear to god, there was a whole set of townhomes that I saw near the Shoppes at Osgood on 45th and 40th that I didn't recall existing a few weeks earlier. Housing developments in that area are now starting to connect to 52nd Avenue south, across the street from the new District at the Lakes development.

SmileyBoy

Aug 2, 2006, 4:28 AM

JIMMY JOHN'S IS COMING TO FARGO-MOORHEAD!!!

Although that news is buried alongside some sobering news about the Holiday Center development in Moorhead. good news is that four different chains have expressed interest in buillding a big-box there.

More about this in my blog.

http://www.in-forum.com/gfx/photos/full/0801%20holiday%20mall%20NEW.jpg
Looks like WAAAAAAY too much empty dead space and parking.

http://www.in-forum.com/gfx/photos/full/20060801mrholidaycenterupdate.jpg
Construction of a food court is still under way at the Holiday Center near the intersection of Interstate 94 and Eighth Street South in Moorhead. Construction had been scheduled for completion in June. Dave Wallis / The Forum

Delays hit Holiday Center
By Melinda Rogers, The Forum
Published Tuesday, August 01, 2006

Promises of new development around Moorhead’s Holiday Center remain unfulfilled nearly six months after plans for a Starbucks Coffee Co. and Qdoba Mexican Grill were announced.

Construction was scheduled for completion in June. Today the building sits only half-constructed.

Despite delays, developers say the businesses are still on the way.

“We ran into weather delays, site delays. It’s just one of those things,” said Erroll Bong, owner of Fargo-based North Central Commercial Real Estate Services, which leases space for the Holiday Center.

“We were certainly hoping to get them open by mid-summer. But everything is on track now.”

Bong said he now expects the two restaurants, which agreed to build stores in a 6,000-square-foot lot near 24th Avenue and Eighth Street South, to open in October.

A third business – Jimmy John’s World’s Greatest Gourmet Sandwiches shop – will occupy a third and formerly unidentified space, Bong said. That will likely open in November.

But the slow progression has made some Moorhead residents ask why the project is taking so long, Mayor Mark Voxland said.

Voxland said he’s regularly peppered with questions about the center’s status and expects the Holiday Center will be a discussion point at tonight’s National Night Out – a community block party that gives city officials a chance to mingle with neighbors to talk about crime prevention and other issues.

“I was kind of hoping to hear something (about the project’s status) before National Night Out,” Voxland said. “I know the question they’ll ask is, what’s going on (at Holiday Center)?”

The construction delay of Starbucks/Qdoba/Jimmy John’s is the latest hiccup in the ongoing challenge of bringing businesses to Holiday Center.

Since committing to a multimillion-dollar redevelopment of the fledgling Holiday Mall six years ago, developers have floundered to recruit tenants.

Plans to build a 101,000-square-foot retail anchor store and a “sit-down” restaurant haven’t yet materialized. Bold signs tacked on the strip mall’s walls advertise “additional space available.” There’s room for up to 18 tenants if each leases 2,000 square feet of retail space.

Bong said he’s in negotiations with six prospective tenants interested in moving into the existing strip mall at Holiday Center. Four big-box retailers also have expressed interest in building on the site, he said.

He’s unable to discuss specifics of the deals right now but said more information will be released when letters of intent are signed by tenants.

The Moorhead City Council in 2000 voted to spend $14 million on the area’s redevelopment. In addition, investors pumped millions into the project. To date, more than $41 million in combined public and private funds have been spent on the area.

That investment leaves elected officials with more than a vested interest in making sure Holiday Center succeeds.

Moorhead City Councilman Mark Hintermeyer, who represents the ward where Holiday Center is located, said he’s anxious to see development completed in the area.

“Hopefully when the building is done and the businesses are in there and there are people pulling in to drink come coffee and grab a sandwich, that will fill in that area,” Hintermeyer said.

SmileyBoy

Aug 2, 2006, 4:33 AM

Dupe.

SmileyBoy

Aug 2, 2006, 4:34 AM

Remember this list??

Jimmy John's
Bruegger's Bagels
Chipotle
Panera Bread
Dunn Bros. Coffee
Dave & Buster's
CompUSA
Pottery Barn
Dick's Sporting Goods
The Men's Wearhouse
Circuit City
Popeye's Fried Chicken
Marshall's
Hollister
Apple Store
Staples
Romano's Macaroni Grill
Ultimate Electronics
Borders Books
Boston Market
White Castle
Lids
Old Country Buffet
DSW Shoe Warehouse
Costco
Joe's Crab Shack
Houlihan's
Cinnabon
REI
Cabela's
Whole Foods
Noodle's & Company
Jamba Juice
The Sports Authority
Champs Sports
Baskin-Robbins
California Pizza Kitchen
P.F. Chang's
Buca di Beppo
Don Pablo's
Benihana
Sonic
Fuddruckers
Tony Roma's
Stein Mart
Archiver's
Williams Sonoma
Crate & Barrel
Fatburger
Bally's Fitness

1 down, 49 to go.:D

F-Misthebest

Aug 2, 2006, 5:16 AM

SmileyBoy

Aug 2, 2006, 5:24 AM

That's excellent news!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And actually in the Crossing on 45th and 32nd there is going to be a Comp USA and a Pottery Barn. So 3 down 47 to go. :D

And you said earlier that in the Urban Plains there was going to be a Joes Crab Shack. And the Hollister is going in the mall, right.

Oh and I was driving on 32nd Ave today and saw that in the South Creek Center the last space in the east addition is filled with a new restaurant. It's called, "Moe's Southwestern Grill." It looks nice and here's the link: http://www.moes.com/

DAMN, I never realized that place was such a big chain!! It must be a Georgia-based thing. I saw dozens of locations in the Atlanta area alone. I had a feeling it was some kind of chain, but not that big...

Right now, I'm giddy over what they might put in that new development by Pioneer Center. I drive by that area every day, so I'll be able to see what's up.

NanoBison

Aug 2, 2006, 5:49 AM

Those are awesome pictures, Nano. PLEASE put them up in the City Photos forum!!!:cheers:

Will do!!! :notacrook:

I might wait a little bit though, I want to do some more photos and do like a super thread... I'll get them up there though....

NanoBison

Aug 2, 2006, 5:52 AM

Where exactly is this SouthCreek Center? Is this that strip mall out by Eagle Run with Hooligans Bar? That Moe's sounds damn good, and I've been waiting for a new restaurant to open up!

NanoBison

Aug 2, 2006, 5:58 AM

I'm glad Jimmy John's is FINALLY coming to Fargo/Moorhead. I'll make sure to get over there every now and then to grab lunch. I'm sure it will be quite popular with the College bunch at Concordia and MSUM. They should just keep adding eateries to the Holiday Mall until they build up some decent traffic. Then at that point knock everyone dead in there shoes by announcing 2-3 Big Box retailers... I think CircuitCity, Costco, or SuperTarget would fit the bill nicely.

F-Misthebest

Aug 2, 2006, 6:03 AM

South Creek Center is on the southwest corner of 25th Street and 32nd Ave. It has a Starbucks, Whipper Snippers, TCBY, Little Ceasers, and some more stuff. It's nice.

NanoBison

Aug 2, 2006, 6:05 AM

OH!!! That's what you're talking about!!! I live right by there. That's going to be sweet. That would explain why when I get my Strawberry Lemonade Freeze at Starbucks I always see construction on the inside of the building...

F-Misthebest

Aug 2, 2006, 6:10 AM

I think we should have two SuperTargets. The one in Moorhead should be where the regular Target is now. Remodle it even more. And the second should be in "The District at the Lakes," along with Circuit City. CostCo should be across the road from Scheel's. I think that possibly Dillards would be a nice candidate. Or maybe a ShopKo.

F-Misthebest

Aug 2, 2006, 6:11 AM

NanoBison

Aug 2, 2006, 6:14 AM

Do you know what kind of traffic levels that intersection at 13th Ave and 45th St would see if they added a Costco across from Scheels?...I would put money on it surpassing 60,000 cars a day if something like that happened. These retailers better hurry the hell up and buy up this land on 45th. There's not much left North of I-94...

F-Misthebest

Aug 2, 2006, 6:16 AM

For all you viewers. Here is a satillite view of where the Jimmy Johns will be.

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/3704/holidaycenterzq1.jpg

And Here's South Creek Center from above.
http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/9122/southcreekcenterdo2.jpg

NanoBison

Aug 2, 2006, 6:20 AM

Groups Merge Their Events (http://www.in-forum.com/articles/index.cfm?id=135145&section=Business)

By Teri Finneman, The Forum
Published Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Nearly 1,000 business leaders will meet in Fargo this fall for a Microsoft and The Partner Channel joint conference.

The goal of the three-day event is to create learning and networking opportunities for Microsoft officials and their partners, said Spider Johnk, president and CEO of The Partner Channel in Fargo.

Johnk’s company serves as an advertising and marketing resource for Microsoft Dynamics software distributors.

The Partner Channel also allows its members to request services and plans annual gatherings for Microsoft Dynamics partners, Johnk said.

The Partner Channel and Microsoft had organized separate fall conferences. But after realizing their events were within weeks of each other in Fargo, the companies decided to have one gathering, said Katie Hasbargen, a local Microsoft spokeswoman.

The conference will be divided among the Fargodome, the Holiday Inn and Ramada Plaza Suites from Oct. 29 through 31, Johnk said.

“By merging our event with Microsoft’s, we broaden those opportunities even further and improve the quality and scope of what we can offer partners in the way of education and exposure to key Microsoft team members,” said Johnk, a former creative director for Great Plains Software.

The meeting will include sessions in sales and marketing skills, as well as strategies for growing Microsoft Dynamics partners’ businesses.

Fargo-Moorhead will also benefit from the event because business leaders will be exposed to the area’s offerings, Johnk said.

Jon Pratt, senior director of product marketing at Microsoft, pointed to the local economic impact of the conference.

“Those people will be coming from all over the world, as well as across the United States, and I think it’s another sign of Microsoft’s strong presence in Fargo. Having a campus there certainly has brought this activity to Fargo,” Pratt said.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

* This is definitely going to be good for Fargo considering we lost the "Stampede to Fargo" when Great Plains Software was purchased by Microsoft. Things are definitely looking up!!! I expect to see ALOT of private jets parked outside Fargo Jet Center that day...Maybe I can catch a glimpse the days they're here....

:cheers:

F-Misthebest

Aug 2, 2006, 6:25 AM

That will certainly boost the tourism and possibly the population of these wonderful growing cities.:D

F-Misthebest

Aug 2, 2006, 6:31 AM

]‘Walkability’ may cost residents[/SIZE]
By Mike Nowatzki, The Forum
Published Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Making Fargo more pedestrian-friendly will carry costs, and a plan being developed to reach that goal deserves a “critical eye,” Mayor Dennis Walaker said.

Walaker and the four other city commissioners met Tuesday to review efforts to update Fargo’s 50-year growth plan.

Much of the discussion led by consultant Don Faulkner focused on improving Fargo’s “walkability” by putting pedestrians and public transit before automobiles in the planning process.

Faulkner presented a population projection showing that Fargo – now home to about 90,000 people – could grow to 243,000 residents by 2056.

The growth plan encourages mixed housing developments and more integration of commercial and residential areas to reduce traffic, housing costs and special assessments.

We’re looking at probably having a higher-density city than we’ve had,” said Jim Gilmour, city planning director.

Part of the plan is to develop “walkable” neighborhoods, each with a half-mile radius and connected by pedestrian paths. Children could walk to school, and the majority of daily needs such as groceries could be met within the neighborhood, Faulkner said.

The idea is to minimize travel distances and reduce traffic and energy use.

The growth plan suggests roundabouts as one way to calm traffic and save energy because they eliminate stop-and-go driving. It also encourages parkways – streets with tree-filled center medians or double rows of trees.

However, with residents complaining about high special assessments, Walaker said the city needs to take a closer look at who’s going to pay for and maintain the roundabouts, planted medians or other improvements.

“Planners are people who want things and so forth, and it’s nice and it’s neat, but somebody has to pay for it,” said Walaker, who was elected mayor in June after retiring from a 17-year stint as director of Fargo Public Works.

“The people that maintain it have to have some input, which they don’t right now,” he added.

Commissioner Mike Williams said that by creating mixed-use neighborhoods and making the most of Fargo’s existing footprint instead of always expanding, the city can save money on infrastructure and free up funds for the other improvements. The city should try to replicate economically diverse neighborhoods such as Roosevelt, Horace Mann and Clara Barton, he said.

“I think what we’re trying to avoid is the knee-jerk reaction that anything that’s nicer and more livable is going to be more expensive, and that’s simply not true,” Commissioner Linda Coates added.

Walaker and Williams raised concerns that roundabouts aren’t pedestrian-friendly. Gilmour said they would only be used on collector streets, not arterials, so there would be natural breaks in traffic for pedestrians to cross the street.

City planners are gathering input on the growth plan and will likely present it to the City Commission for approval in the last quarter of this year, Gilmour said.

Readers can reach Forum reporter Mike Nowatzki at (701) 241-5528
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In 50 years Fargo alone could JUMP from 90,000 all the way to 243,000. If we are at 102,000 people now that's 141,000 people in 50 years. That's a VERY BIG LEAP!!!!!!!!!!!! GINORMOUS.

Ex-Ithacan

Aug 2, 2006, 9:44 AM

I don't understand how the census estimates can not reflect all the development going on in the F-M metro. I know the developers aren't all trying to capture the same dollars from a stagnant (or slow growth) population. Crazy.

F-Misthebest

Aug 2, 2006, 4:53 PM

I totally agree Ex-Ithacan. If all these houses are being built, all the "FOR SALE" signs say "SOLD", there's lots of commercial, residential, and industrial developments are going up, and the tourism is great. The weather has been hot and the coldest we got last winter was only -10 with wind chill, as opposed to last winter when it got to -56 with wind chill. I only think global warming is going to help Fargo if it is indeed real.:D

I'm so excited we are getting some more sit down restaurants in town. I think they come in threes. You know we just got these three hotels, Candlewood, Staybridge Suites, and Homewood. So now we are getting three restaurants, Moe's Southwestern Grill, Jimmy John's, and the restaurant up by Homewood Suites.:D

F-Misthebest

Aug 2, 2006, 11:25 PM

The Crossing really looks like it's going to start really soon. Urban Plains has some construction equipment on the site and looks like it will start soon as well.

I was driving up 45th Street today to go to Famous Daves and I looked to my right and saw a some construction going up on 42nd Street. They are building something and I will find out more later.

NanoBison

Aug 4, 2006, 2:52 AM

I was filling up with gas today and clipped these pics :

Here is the newly rennovated Burlington Coat Factory going in
on 13th Ave, next to Royal Fork / Mr. G's / Widman's Candies

http://img67.imageshack.us/img67/2231/burlingtoncoatfactoryad5.jpg

I sure hope they also do something to the rest of the building, or you're going to be able to tell it's a Kmart building still.
They also should repave most of that parking lot. It's pretty warn out and an additional entrance to that area between the gas station and Royal Fork would be welcome by most motorists. I also heard they are thinking of putting in another set of street lights by Target and Stop-N-Go at that same intersection. It will be an annoyance to some, but the only hope to making a left hand turn to others...

This is the strip mall going up across the street from it.

http://img67.imageshack.us/img67/2600/stripmall13thhk6.jpg

Does anyone happen to know what might be moving into that??? It's located on one of the busiest sections of any street in Fargo, so I would hope it's more selections from the list that Smiley maintains...

:shrug:

Paintballer1708

Aug 4, 2006, 3:33 AM

Its great to see all this new construction going on in Fargo. I just hope that North Dakota doesnt end up like other states like Florida, Ohio, Arizona, California, Texas and North Carolina with SPRAWL!!! Of course you have to have a bigger population for this, but before you know it, it gets out of control.

NanoBison

Aug 4, 2006, 6:49 AM

Apparently that strip mall on 13th Ave going up will include a branch of Western State Bank

"Welders connect a curved steel beam into place as they assemble the framework for the new Western State Bank at the former site of the KXJB-TV building near West Acres in Fargo. Dave Wallis / The Forum"

Forum Picture :
http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/8690/stripmallwesternstatebahd1.jpg

Going to be here :
http://img67.imageshack.us/img67/2600/stripmall13thhk6.jpg

I sure hope that some retail will also be accompaning that...

:sly:

Paintballer1708

Aug 4, 2006, 5:47 PM

How many strip malls are in the Fargo metro?

SmileyBoy

Aug 4, 2006, 6:07 PM

How many strip malls are in the Fargo metro?

Too many to frickin' count.

NanoBison

Aug 5, 2006, 4:19 AM

I'd say though it's about on average with the rest of the metropolitan areas in the United States, but you need this kind of development to build part of an economy.

Paintballer1708

Aug 5, 2006, 5:41 PM

Hopefully you arent at the point that Pittsburgh and Cleveland are at. They are building strip malls everywhere. Its a shame to see older businesses being torn down to see another strip mall coming in.

F-Misthebest

Aug 6, 2006, 1:44 AM

This is the strip mall going up across the street from it.

http://img67.imageshack.us/img67/2600/stripmall13thhk6.jpg

Does anyone happen to know what might be moving into that??? It's located on one of the busiest sections of any street in Fargo, so I would hope it's more selections from the list that Smiley maintains...

:shrug:

I think it is only Western State Bank. I do not think it is another strip mall.

This is totally off subject but, I think that Fargo should tear down the Fargo Cinema Grill in downtown and build a 20+ Embassy Suites. I got the idea because Embassy is really nice and am suggesting this because right now I'm in Lake Tahoe (loving it by the way, colder then Fargo though. mid 70's) and saw their Embassy Suites and it's really nice. It's not tall but it is wide. I think Fargo is ready for Embassy.

Also, I have an idea about something that could go in south Fargo. I was thinking that the City of Fargo should build a 70 acre or so lake. I think it should be deep enough for pontoons or speed boats. With all the dirt they dig out for this unique shaped lake, they could make hills all around the lake. It could have nice mature trees along it and there would be huge houses/mansions all around the lake. It would be called Hillview Estates on Hillview Lake. Any ideas on this or Embassy. Come to think of it, Embassy could go on the lake. Anyways, what do you think.

NanoBison

Aug 9, 2006, 5:37 AM

I was out and about today. I flashed a few more photos...I'm starting to realize why the camera was only $100. Not the greatest detail, but it will do for now. Anyways...

Another Shot of Alien Technology (It's Done)
http://img61.imageshack.us/img61/6439/alientechnologyty9.jpg

NDSU Research Park : Technology Incubator Going Up
http://img159.imageshack.us/img159/9006/techincubatorhy8.jpg

NDSU Candlewood Suites (In Research Park)
http://img159.imageshack.us/img159/4007/candlewoodsuitesar7.jpg

NDSU Student Wellness Center Expansion
http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/7038/wellnesscenterdm2.jpg

Radisson Hotel Tower (Downtown Fargo) staring over my shoulder
while I wait for a train to go by...(It's one of Smiley's Fav Buildings)
http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/612/traindakotadriveqs5.jpg

Global Plaza (Going up near Playmakers...)
Supposed to be a retail center....I don't have any info yet...
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/2209/globalplazaku9.jpg

Retail Complex at 25th St. and 13th Ave S.
http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/6513/marketplace25th13thdu8.jpg

Woodhaven Retail/Condo/Office Development
(This is the backside...I forgot to take a snapshot of the front)
http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/3899/woodhavenpn9.jpg

The reason I wish I had a car that ran E-85...
http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/2369/e85jy8.jpg

That's it for today.... :tup:

NanoBison

Aug 9, 2006, 5:52 AM

This is a branch off of the other thread "What can Fargo-Moorhead do to become a major player in the Midwest? ". Here's one of the many reasons Fargo/Moorhead is a player in the Midwest :

http://img60.imageshack.us/img60/2889/microsoftec3.jpg

I realize that if we didn't have Microsoft, we would still have Great Plains Software (purchase by Microsoft for $1.5 billion...). But becuase we now have the largest Microsoft campus, outside of Redmond, we tremendously benefit from the pull a company of that size has. It comes in the forms of great paying jobs for recent grads and other older workers, maintaining a large workforce of software/technologically minded people, more homes, larger homes, more business people flying into Hector International, more exposure, etc...

So if Microsoft is one of the cornerstones of our economy, what else do we have that would be extremely detrimental if it no longer existed.

Here's my top 5 :

0.) Microsoft (I'm a computer person so I get to start at 0)
1.) Educational System : NDSU/MSUM/Concordia (Research Park Included)
2.) Case / New Holland Manufacturing Plant - Bobcat/Phoenix International (All Heavy Agricultural Businesses)
3.) Marvin / Integrity Windows and the sector formed around them in the Fargo Industrial Park
4.) MeritCare Hospital
5.) Sugar Industry (Crystal, American)

In other words, if one of them left, Grand Forks might actually have a chance at surpassing us.

Anyone else have any thoughts? Or would like to add to that list?

:yes:

NanoBison

Aug 9, 2006, 6:30 AM

Center Mall changes ownership
By Melinda Rogers, The Forum
Published Wednesday, August 09, 2006

The Moorhead Center Mall has a new majority owner.

After more than 30 years as the main proprietor of Moorhead’s flagship shopping center, TRE Investments this month transferred ownership to new managing partners Patrick Vesey and Kelly Zander.

Vesey and Zander, both private investors, said they want to bring energy to the mall so the shopping venue’s sales will increase.

“Our focus is to really work hard and take care of our retail tenants and to take care of our customers in the local community,” Vesey said.

The two own several pieces of real estate in Fargo-Moorhead, they said.

Winton Johnson of Moorhead-based TRE Investments, one of three partners who owned the mall, said the group decided to sell its portion of the mall’s ownership because of nearing retirement age.

Terms of the agreement between TRE Investments and Vesey and Zander were not disclosed.

The 216,000-square-foot mall, at 510 Center Ave., houses 37 tenants.

A 106,500-square-foot Herberger’s department store serves as the mall’s main anchor. Moorhead City Hall is also attached to the facility.

Nineteen owners, along with Vesey and Zander – who now own about 60 percent of the mall’s condominium units – have a stake in the venue.

The structure has presented challenges in that there has not been one single owner to make decisions such as offering business incentives to relocate in the mall, some tenants say.

Several mall tenants said Tuesday a change in ownership could give the mall a rebirth it desperately needs.

“We need some new blood,” said Bob Grantham, owner of His Styling Salon, a barbershop that’s been in the mall for 30 years.

“What you need is to have someone in here who has other interest in malls. We need another anchor store to bring more customers,” he said.

Jim Bjorklund, owner of Moorhead Drug, agreed new owners could bring revived energy to the mall.

The facility’s direction waned in recent years as Johnson’s managing partner, Ron Ohe, battled cancer and couldn’t dedicate as much time to the mall’s marketing and promotion.

Ohe died in 2005.

The Moorhead Center Mall has long played second fiddle to its competitor across the river, however. West Acres Shopping Center opened in 1972, the same year the Moorhead Center Mall was under construction.

Today that vibe can be felt from a simple glance at the mall’s marquee, which reads “Another Great Place to Shop.”

Mall Manager Kristi Ulrich said she believes good things are in store for the retail outlet’s future.

“We are thrilled. I think it’s going to bring new energy and excitement to downtown Moorhead,” she said.

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

Finally!!! Someone else is taking over and hopefully can breath some life into this sleeping giant. I'm happy someone finally agrees with me that the slogan "Another Great Place To Shop" is stupid and shows your second fiddle. Why do other businesses hurt their image by using this stupid jingles? I can think of some other stupid ones (Local Businesses in FM) :

"We really want your business" (No crap, really, are you sure???)
"King of the Road" (You have to watch local FM tv to get that one)
"A Furniture Store for Everyday Normal People" (Duh,duh,duh...yeah you wouldn't want Higher End clients...)
"Watch Us Make You Smile" (Ask people in FM what they think of their cable service...)

:sly: :yuck: :slob:

I could go on and on but I won't.

I hope the Moorhead Center Mall really takes off and becomes a real competitor for West Acres.

:tup:

NanoBison

Aug 9, 2006, 9:38 AM

Just a quick note. I too, have started a blog. Don't worry Smiley, I'm not copying yours. Mine is the planning of what I'd like to see Fargo as by the year 2050. Big dreams, big hopes, big talk. It should be interesting.

http://fargo2050.blogspot.com/

Where is everyone? It's been kind of slow on the Fargo/Moorhead thread...

:tup:

Paintballer1708

Aug 9, 2006, 12:31 PM

Well i think with FM being in Lake Tahoe doesnt help much with the thread being busy. We need the usual people to keep the thread at its original place. LOL its usually at the top of the Midwestern page everyday i get on. But with FM gone its like the 6th one down. I have been suprised. Anyway nice to see all the construction going on there in Fargo, Nano. Cant wait to get out there this weekend. I have not been home for the past 3 weekends. Last week i was in Philly visiting my brother. And the next couple of weeks i have to travel to Austin and Jacksonville because i got new job openings. Very excited. Dont know if i will make the move yet, and if i did it will be in November. Anyway nice pictures there, Nano. Its gonna be a road trip this weekend.

NanoBison

Aug 10, 2006, 8:11 AM

Congrats Paintballer1708, you seem to be like an individual who is really on the move alot. Hope you enjoy Fargo when you come up, the MidContinent Conference (Division-I Athletics) was just up here for a overview of NDSU. We are hoping for admission (fingers crossed). They seemed to be quite pleased with the community from what I've seen so far on TV and the internet.

NanoBison

Aug 10, 2006, 8:14 AM

This pic was taken by the Fargo Forum.
Just though it was funny to show North Dakota's (mainly
Fargo/Moorhead 's) two seasons.

Winter and of course,
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/7421/highway10kd7.jpg
Road Construction.

This is Highway 10 heading east out of town. This roadway
is heavily traveled by folks going to the lakes areas in Minnesota
every weekend in the summertime. Many people also commute into
the cities from smaller towns like Glyndon, Felton, Hawley...

:whip: Get In Line !!!

NanoBison

Aug 10, 2006, 8:20 AM

Planners back zoning growth
By Mike Nowatzki, The Forum
Published Thursday, August 10, 2006

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/2167/expansionvs7.jpg

Fargo planning commissioners voted unanimously Wednesday to protect the city’s growth options by extending its zoning jurisdiction a half-mile south to 112th Avenue South.

The City Commission must approve the change, which allows Fargo to take advantage of the full four miles of extraterritorial area allowed under North Dakota law.

The targeted land is now zoned agricultural. Fargo Senior Planner Jim Hinderaker said that won’t change unless a landowner requests it.

“We’re probably a number of years out before most of this area in the southern tier would be zoned anything other than ag,” he said.

Still, some rural residents in the affected area said they oppose any change that means they could eventually become part of Fargo.

Marilyn Tessier and her son Doug Tessier, who live in rural Stanley Township, said they will likely petition the city of Horace to annex their property.

“If Horace annexes it, it’s more of a small community,” Doug Tessier said.

Fargo Assistant City Attorney Erik Johnson told Tessier he has the right to petition Horace for annexation, but Fargo could protest and the matter could be resolved in mediation.

Horace and Fargo are already in mediation over who should get two sections of land between Horace and West Fargo.

In May, the Horace City Council voted to bring nearly five square miles of surrounding land into city limits, more than doubling the city’s size. Fargo city commissioners responded by voting to annex 795 acres east of Horace, including a strip of land along 57th Street that essentially stops Horace from annexing more land to the east between 52nd Avenue and 112th Avenue.

Horace Mayor John Goerger said his city has no plans to try to extend its extraterritorial area into Fargo’s proposed extraterritorial area.

“We’re not going on the other side of 57th (Street) down to 112th (Avenue),” he said.

Stanley Township now handles zoning for the land in Fargo’s proposed extraterritorial area, while Cass County handles subdivisions. If the extension is approved, residents will have to go through Fargo’s planning and building permit process.

The change will not affect their property taxes because they won’t be in Fargo city limits, Johnson said.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank goodness Fargo is taking steps to protect its future growth area. Horace pulled a fast on the city by annexing 5 sq miles previously. What the heck are they going to need that for??? Anyways, like the article says, they prevents Horace from expanding further east. Now they have to expand west. Fargo better get hopping on the northern sections of land before they get gobbled up by Reile's Acres and Harwood...

:tup:

NanoBison

Aug 10, 2006, 8:23 AM

Osgood shop site proposed
By Mike Nowatzki, The Forum
Published Thursday, August 10, 2006

The man proposing a major retail development near the Osgood Hornbacher’s in southwest Fargo showed the city’s Planning Commission on Wednesday how he plans to make it compatible with surrounding land uses.

Don Dabbert Jr., president of Contemporary Builders and Willow Creek Development Co., said he hopes to create a pedestrian-friendly retail area for residents of the Osgood and Woodhaven neighborhoods so they don’t always have to drive to 13th Avenue South to shop.

The 40-acre project would require the city to amend its growth plan to allow 30 acres for commercial use and the balance for multiple-dwelling housing. The land is now zoned for agriculture.

Dabbert’s plans call for retail – but not big-box retail, he said – between 45th and 47th streets and roughly 46th Avenue and 48th Avenue South. A financial institution is interested in one of the corner lots, he said.

A strip of row houses would provide a buffer between the retail area and an Osgood residential area platted across 47th Street.

Extensive landscaping, including trees along 45th Street, will be used to “mask” the retail area so it’s not as intrusive to the residential areas, Dabbert said.

“Not the sea of asphalt that we normally see,” he said.

The project is about twice the size of Dabbert’s Town Square commercial development just north of 40th Avenue South and 45th Street.

“We’re just trying to mitigate any fears and let people know and give them the information beforehand,” he said of Wednesday’s presentation.

Fargo Senior Planner Jim Hinderaker said planning staff want to ensure the type and scale of commercial structures is compatible with the surrounding land uses.

“We’re a little concerned about the entire 45th Street being a commercial strip development,” he said.

If the city approves the project, construction could start late this fall or early spring, Dabbert said.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Good to see that heavy landscaping will be incorporated into these types of developments. The last thing I, or the people living next to them, want to see is bare pavement and parking lots. Glad someone is setting standards higher for development!

:cheers:

F-Misthebest

Aug 10, 2006, 10:26 PM

Well I'm back from Lake Tahoe but not for long. I'm going to Valley Fair next weekend and then school starts on the 24th!!! But it looks like Nano has got it covered.:D I'm glad to hear that Paintballer is coming soon and glad to hear all the new developments. I'm glad to be back for the time being and also because I missed Fargo as well. Sure Lake Tahoe has the 1000 feet deep, alpine, clear, beautiful lake, and yeah, there's huge mountains surrounding it with the awesome 9 storey tall pine trees, but the flat farmland of Fargo is nice too.:D I'm glad to be back anyways.

P.S. Great Blog Nano. Give those Forkers up north a run for their money.:haha: :D!

F-Misthebest

Aug 10, 2006, 11:15 PM

When I was in Lake Tahoe I went to the Heavenly Shops. They had lot's of touristy shops but I think that it could be really nice in Fargo. Of course I would want it to be a lot larger with not as many (if any) touristy shops. I thought it was nice that there were shops on the first level and then on the next two storeys were hotel rooms by Marriott. I would hope if the District at the Lakes goes through (which I think it will. it will be up to the city this month I think. Nano? Smiley?) I would love to see some upscale with like Banana Republic would go great in there. I'm glad it would be large like 280 acres. There's also going to be lakes and offices. Sounds soooooooooooooooooo cool!:D:D

By the way, my photo thread of all the developments, the aerials, the downtowns, is coming along really nicely and will be done before winter (hopefully).:???:

NanoBison

Aug 11, 2006, 2:15 AM

Does anyone know where Smiley went off to?

F-Misthebest

Aug 11, 2006, 3:04 AM

^ I really don't know. He's usually the one who posts the most information and I'm always excited when he posts something new.

F-Misthebest

Aug 12, 2006, 6:15 PM

Fargo’s Alien Tech plant on course
By Teri Finneman, The Forum
Published Saturday, August 12, 2006

Alien Technology’s manufacturing plant in Fargo is moving forward as scheduled and will be fully operational by October, company officials said this week.

The reassurance comes after the company announced last week it was withdrawing its initial public offering and amid rumors of what that meant for its Fargo operation.

The purpose of the IPO was to raise about $100 million to finance the company’s next major phase of growth, CEO Stavro Prodromou said in a phone interview from Morgan Hill, Calif.

An IPO is a corporation’s first offering of stock to the public.

However, various world events and conflicts created “a less than ideal time” to be in the “jittery” market, Prodromou said.

Not just from Alien’s point of view, but for many other companies that considered and tried to make an initial public offering in July,” he said, adding he’s heard more than 20 companies also withdrew IPOs.

As a result, Alien is exploring other financing alternatives, including private equity from current and new investors, he said. Alien raised more than $200 million in venture capital in the past.

In the meantime, the company has laid off an undisclosed number of employees – primarily at its Morgan Hill facility – and cut other expenses such as advertising to preserve cash, Prodromou said.

Alien reported a $210 million deficit as of March 31, with $42 million in working capital and $84 million in total assets, according to Securities and Exchange Commission documents.

The company has never been profitable and incurred net losses of $19.1 million in fiscal year 2003, $27.6 million in 2004 and $53 million in 2005, documents show.

Net loss for the first six months of fiscal year 2006 is $26.7 million, documents show.

Most of Alien’s deficit is the capital raised from venture investors that is shown on the books as a liability for the company to pay back, Prodromou said.

Funding for research and development programs, entry into the market and building facilities comes from that capital, he said.

“It’s both an investment as well as from a balance sheet point of view, the other side is it represents the accumulated deficit.”

A consortium of state and local banks and economic development agencies in North Dakota put together a $36 million financing package for Alien in 2003 after learning the company was interested in Fargo.

The package included low-interest loans, state and federal job training programs and private sector funds.

Alien has used about a quarter of that amount, or under $10 million, Prodromou said.

The Bank of North Dakota is involved with two loans to Alien, President Eric Hardmeyer said. All of the bank’s lending is done in participation with another bank, he said.

“All I can tell is my share of it,” Hardmeyer said.

One loan balance is about $1.5 million and has a Small Business Administration guarantee, he said. Alien has made payments on the loan as agreed and has paid about $250,000 thus far, he said.

A recently funded PACE loan for about $1.2 million is the second loan the Bank is involved with, he said.

Locally, the Greater Fargo-Moorhead Economic Development Corp. has put forward $134,000 to go toward Alien’s first PACE loan, said President Brian Walters.

Pointing to the Fargo Alien facility and the people working there, Walter said he “can feel very good on that commitment of our community to support their operations.”

Alien also received a 10-year property tax exemption on its building worth about $145,000 per year from the Fargo City Commission last year for 2006-2017.

Prodromou said a 30-day quiet period mandated by the federal government prohibits him from making any forward-looking statements on the company’s future profitability.

During a quiet period, the SEC prevents companies from making public statements that could affect a stock offering.

However, he did say, “We all have a very strong fundamental belief in the future” of the radio-frequency identification industry.

“Everyone understands the economic potential of the growth of this market.”

RFID industry analyst Pete Abell of Massachusetts-based IDC’s Manufacturing Insights said Alien has been “losing a lot of money” and faces increasing competition.

He thinks the company’s drive for additional capital will take several months.

Capital from Alien’s IPO would have provided financing to expand the Fargo facility in 2008 and to make 2 billion tags per year, Prodromou said.

When looking for the next round of financing, Alien will keep in mind the next phase of growth at its Fargo plant, Prodromou said.

“I think we’ve got plenty of time to secure adequate financing to allow us to do that,” he said.

Besides finding new funding, Alien has another hurdle to overcome with the Fargo plant’s expansion.

In June, Alien and Everett, Wash.,-based competitor Intermec filed lawsuits against each other. Intermec claims Alien has infringed on 10 of its patents, while Alien is asking for a court to declare it hasn’t and that Intermec’s patents are invalid.

Court documents say Alien has invested about $15 million in its new Fargo manufacturing facility in the research park.

Over the next two years, the company plans to invest an additional $25 million to further expand the facility, documents say.

Alien also intends to employ about 100 people over the next two years, though the actual pace of hiring will be linked to end-market demand for RFID tags, said spokeswoman Linda Prosser.

“However, in light of the Intermec defendants’ allegations of patent infringement, Alien’s long-term plans regarding its Fargo facility and related operations may be in jeopardy,” court documents say.

Because Alien filed its lawsuit in North Dakota and Intermec countersued in Delaware, a determination needs to be made regarding which jurisdiction will hear the case before it goes forward, Prodromou said.

Meanwhile, operations in Fargo are “going quite well,” said Glenn Gengel, Alien’s vice president of manufacturing.

The company began moving equipment into its 48,000-square-foot Fargo plant in the North Dakota State University Research and Technology Park in April, while continuing to operate at its temporary facility in south Fargo.

A second assembly machine is now being tested, or “qualified,” at the research park plant, Gengel said.

Once that machine is ready later this month, the machine at the south Fargo facility will move permanently into the research park plant, he said.

The machines attach the NanoBlocks, or RFID chips, to antennae to create the smart tag.

All manufacturing of NanoBlocks will be done in Fargo starting this fall, when operations in Morgan Hill are transferred here, Gengel said.

This work is performed in a room in the Fargo plant called the “Clean Room,” where employees wear masks, hairnets, hoods, lab coats and protective booties, said manufacturing manager Kurt Gunning. Employees were working in the room earlier this week.

By October, operations will be “fully consolidated” in the research park, a month ahead of schedule, Gengel said.

The Fargo manufacturing plant can make up to 500 million tags per year, Prodromou said. It now has 32 employees. Employment will continue to grow in the next few months, he said.

According to Alien’s property tax exemption application filed with the city of Fargo in early 2005, the company forecasted 132 Fargo employees by the end of this September.

Alien also predicted growth of 207 employees by September 2007 and 319 employees by September 2008.

State and local officials say they are still confident in Alien and the benefits the company will bring to Fargo and North Dakota.

NDSU Research and Technology Park Executive Director Tony Grindberg said he isn’t concerned about the company’s withdrawal of its IPO. He referred further questions to Alien.

Bank of North Dakota president Hardmeyer said the state knows there is risk associated with any start-up company. He said there has been “tremendous progress” made by Alien.

Walters of the Greater Fargo-Moorhead Economic Development Corp. also said he isn’t concerned about Alien’s withdrawal of its IPO. It’s the nature of technology for there to be ups and downs, he said.

“Alien is very well positioned within that industry to do well.” Walters said.

“Looking at the leadership of that company and the quality people they have leading the company, I still think it’s a very good thing for the community, for the state.”

Forum reporter Jon Knutson contributed to this report. Readers can reach Forum reporter Teri Finneman at (701) 241-5560

NanoBison

Aug 12, 2006, 7:22 PM

:cheers:

Very good news. I've heard alot of speculation and skeptical comments from people lately on the Forum boards. I don't really take it to heart, becuase most of them can't see past next week in terms of business. Another guy called it a complete blunder, but he has a reputation for being an ass and not saying anything positive about ANYTHING.

From what I've heard from the higher-ups in the Research Park, Alien is doing fine right now. The market just isn't moving as fast as initially thought. Hence why they postponed the IPO. I wouldn't worry about it though. I'd rather see the company launch the IPO when the sector is hotter than it currently is. Also I'll be very excited when they spend an additional $25,000,000 on their infrastructure, as planned, in the future. I know for a fact that the original plans are to double the size of the building by copying a mirror image of the building's footprint.

The extended time for the IPO declaration will also give me a chance to save some money up so I can get in on the game...

:tup:

NanoBison

Aug 13, 2006, 2:14 AM

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/5136/fargopanoramasmalloq2.jpg (http://fargo2050.blogspot.com/2006/08/fargo-panorama.html)

Here's a panoramic view of current downtown Fargo I pieced together from several shots. Keep in mind that the Bank of the West Tower, Wells Fargo Building, Professional Building and Lashkowitz High Rise (Commonly Referred to as the Senior Highrise). So you're missing two of the other tall ones, but I think it's still a great pic. Click on it to goto my blog for a larger view. Read my blog while you're there too!!!

:tup:

p.s. I'm thinking about putting out an A.P.B. on Smiley. He's been gone for two weeks now. I haven't seen him on Bisonville, Here, or his Blog....

:shrug:

NanoBison

Aug 13, 2006, 2:17 AM

I saw structural steel going up for the Woodlawn Apartments on Main Avenue (next to the Kassenborg Building) in Moorhead. Hopefully that project moves along and they get to the Woodlawn Condos...

:cheers:

SmileyBoy

Aug 13, 2006, 4:00 PM

I guess you were all wondering where I've been. I've been at Yellowstone National Park for the past week. I'm not even home yet, I'm in Bismarck at the moment of this post typing. I ran into probably the worst storm I have ever seen in my life last night just outside Glendive, Montana. The damn thing didn't stop until about 15 miles outside of Mandan. I was supposed to stay in Medora last night, but I didn't want to camp in the storm, so I pushed through to Dickinson, where I found out that all the hotels in town were booked solid because of some softball tourney. So I bee-lined it to Bismarck. It was a real interesting story, I don't have time to talk about it now. I'll be back in Fargo later today. Great new info coming out of F-M. Can't wait to get back!!

F-Misthebest

Aug 13, 2006, 6:21 PM

I went to a movie with some friends at the Safari 7 Movie Theatre in Moorhead and saw that there was a development going up in front of the Osco Drug and the new True Value. I didn't know what it was at first until we drove a little further and saw that it was going to be a Bank of the West. Go Figure! It looked like it could have been a fast food restaurant. There are two spaces vacant in that stip mall but a dollar store is moving into one of them. Oh well. I really wish the Home Depot and Menards in Moorhead would start going up soon.

Good to hear you're okay Smiley!:D

F-Misthebest

Aug 13, 2006, 6:22 PM

Hopefully that project moves along and they get to the Woodlawn Condos...

:cheers:

Amen.

NanoBison

Aug 13, 2006, 8:17 PM

Welcome Back Smiley!

F-Misthebest

Aug 13, 2006, 9:59 PM

I'm sorry Nano, you are completley correct about the Western State Bank on 13th that they are building. It is definetley a strip mall as well. First of all, IT'S HUGE!! Second of all, there's a sign saying office and retail sites for lease. Duh. :D

NanoBison

Aug 13, 2006, 10:20 PM

I was kinda wondering on that too. I can definitely see where the bank is going (the arched roof), but yeah, that would be a BIG bank. We're talking close to the square footage of the downtown Wells Fargo Building I'm sure. Don't worry about the blunder, I'd rather have you keep telling the developmental news. Keeps us all in check too!

:tup:

F-Misthebest

Aug 13, 2006, 10:43 PM

Hey Nano, I was reading your blog and saw the picture of your downtown in 2050 and saw that that could totally work because of all the undeveloped land downtown. There's soooooo many parking lots downtown and some pretty crappy buildings that I don't think would be missed for a new urban glass skyscraper. I mean look at all of the parking lots:

http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/3264/undevelopedlandindowntownfargozu2.jpg

SmileyBoy

Aug 13, 2006, 11:04 PM

I got back to Fargo. I drove around a little bit. It's weird that I've only been gone for 8 days, but I noticed a lot of changes. First of all, HALLELUJAH, HALLELUJAH, HALLELUJAH, there is FINALLY construction equipment excavating the ground on the site of Urban Plains!!! That was DEFINITELY a good sight to see. West Pointe Centre and Liberty Square II look almost finished. And I also noticed, the guy who designed the new condos on the corner of South University and 32nd probably jacks off to pictures of mansard roofs. Drive by there and you'll see what I mean. There's also a new office building being built on the corner of South University and... I wanna say about 26th. I didn't get a chance to see what's going on at that site west of Pioneer Center on 13th and 9th E. It looks like the new middle school on 13th and 17th is ready for students to start taking classes there.

SmileyBoy

Aug 13, 2006, 11:06 PM

Nano, I haven't had a chance to read your blog, but I will do that. Also, I really think that I don't want to spend the time to upkeep my own blog, and I'm seriously contemplating just shutting it down, because all my focus is on SSP. I'm thinking that if I want to announce new observations, I'll just post them here. I don't like multitasking between sites.

SmileyBoy

Aug 13, 2006, 11:33 PM

When I was on the bus ride to the Snake River in Jackson, Wyoming to go river rafting a couple days ago, I was sitting and thinking about that dilapidated intersection of Main Avenue and 4th Street (I think it's 4th??). The one with the Mobil Station and almost abandoned strip mall on one side and the shitty, partially abandoned buildings and cellular tower on the other side. There's also a parking lot and small old building across from Wells Fargo on that same intersection. I don't want to sound like a Winnipegger here, but that place is the BIGGEST embarrassment in the entire city. Imagine you're driving along Main/Hwy. 10 in Moorhead for the first time, and you are about to enter Fargo for the first time, and you see that piece of shit area, and you have just recieved about the worst possible first impression of the city you can get. That whole place (save for Wells Fargo) needs to be completely torn down and rebuilt, and I came up with an idea for a new type of development for that area:

I call it "The Front". The reason is that the street used to be called "Front Street" back in the early days of the city, and the street used to be an access point for people to go over the riverfront. It would be a multi-million dollar entertainment, living and shopping complex covering approximately 2 1/2 blocks. Every part of the complex would be 4-5 stories tall and/or 50-60 feet tall. Here's what I envision the complex consisting of:

On the northeast corner (south of the soon-to-be quieted railroad tracks) would be a new music club/slash/restaurant and bar similar to First Avenue in Minneapolis, kind of like a more urban version of Playmaker's. It would have an angled corner at Main/4th with LCD marquee signs facing the southwest with a HUGE sign and ads for future shows and a couple advertisements, like a tiny Times Square. To the immediate east of that (next door) would be a downtown multiplex cinema, called something like "Century Downtown Theatres". It would be an 8-screen multiplex. To the east of that by the intersection of the next street and Main would be a small Hard Rock Cafe. It's neon/LCD guitar lights would welcome anyone coming in from Moorhead. Maybe a flashing sign that also says, 'WELCOME TO FARGO."

On the northwest corner (on the current parking lot) would be a compact shopping and dining area anchored by a Border's Books and a P.F. Chang's. It would be like a scaled-down version of BoDo in downtown Boise or Block E in downtown Minneapolis. There would also be a few upscale stores there like Williams-Sonoma and the Men's Wearhouse. There would also be a couple of fast-food places in there like Arby's, etc. You could walk inside there, but it's a compact and upscale place that would not be designed to compete with West Acres. The current Broadway Square (which is owned by the city and is woefully underused), a parking lot and an old 3-story office building would be encompassed by that.

On the south flank, the Mobil station and Fry'n Pan would be demolished to create a middle-income apartment/condo building 5 stories tall similar to what exists at Excelsior and Grand in St. Louis Park, MN. To the east of that, on the site of the end of that old mall, would be a 6-level parking ramp. These structures would act like a buffer between the Front's entertainment and the senior citizens living in the high rise on the other side of the block. Green space and an alley between the condo/apartments/ramp and the high rise would lessen the intrusion of the complex on the senior citizens. Also, on the other side of the tracks from the music club, cinema and Hard Rock Cafe would be another ramp, but only 2-3 levels.

Main Ave. and 4th Street along that area would be resurfaced, and landscaping and pedestrian-friendly access points similar to Broadway would be installed, and manners all along the light posts saying "Welcome to The Front" would be put up.

The reason I think is because if we are going to attract people to downtown, we need to GIVE THEM A REASON to go to Downtown. We need to give them something that they want that is not offered in the suburbs. I also have a couple of other ideas that I came up with in my car that I'll talk about.

SmileyBoy

Aug 13, 2006, 11:38 PM

Here's another idea I had: There would be a small complex downtown consisting of what I call "The North Dakota Center for the Performing Arts" and the "North Dakota Science Museum". What it would consist of is a 2,500-seat auditorium on one part, a 3D-IMAX theatre sandwiched in the middle with a grand foyer and entrance, and the science museum on the other part. There would also be a parking ramp on the site. The problem is that I don't know where in downtown it would be located.

I'm going to Google Maps and find it out.

SmileyBoy

Aug 13, 2006, 11:56 PM

Here's what I had in mind:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v199/SmileyBoy/Development.jpg

NanoBison

Aug 14, 2006, 1:44 AM

Dang Smiley, you've been busy!!!

I like the ideas you have for the downtown area on that particular section of town. It's really run down and it could definitely use some rennovating/redevelopment. Glad to hear that construction is moving along at the Urban Plains deveopment. I have high hopes for that development.

NanoBison

Aug 14, 2006, 1:47 AM

I really hope you stick with your blog. Try to create a niche that you don't cover here on SSP, like how I do 50 years into the future with planning. Otherwise, I'm going to be the only Fargoan in the fargoblogosphere (aeravoices does't count... run by the Forum). Maybe you could do some sketches of towers you'd like to see downtown? If they're really good maybe T.L. Stroh Architects will hire you!

Anyways, do what you got to do...

NanoBison

Aug 14, 2006, 1:53 AM

I was driving downtown a little bit and snapped some shots.

Driving Over the Main Avenue Bridge
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/8558/mainavenuebridgesi6.jpg

Approaching the New Structural Steel Going Up
http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/1041/moorheadwoodlawndn8.jpg

My Extremely Lame Attempt to Show Perspective of Future Space
http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/6251/moorheadwoodlawnafterjv7.jpg

"Bow Down Before Me North Dakota!!!" Radisson Tower - (Smiley's Quote)
http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/1438/radissontowerrl1.jpg

I have to start riding around on bike so I can get some more cool pics. Driving car is very limiting to getting a decent place to shoot pics.

:yes:

NanoBison

Aug 14, 2006, 2:00 AM

Just finished reading the ideas about "The Front". Got me excited becuase over this weekend when I was taking that panoramic shot of downtown, I had wondered, what if we just demolished those absolutely awful buildings next to the railroad tracks and put in some shops. That added space would also allow Main Avenue to be spruced up a little bit with straightening all of the lanes so you don't have to wobble down the road at each intersection (to allow for a turn lane). It could actually really look nice, especially if you add all of your ideas to it... Perhaps I draw something up tonight for the Blog!

:notacrook:

F-Misthebest

Aug 14, 2006, 2:32 AM

Smiley, I'm really glad you're okay and have plenty of fresh great ideas.

Your idea about "The Front" is excellent!!!!! I think having this would really have a great impact on both downtown Fargo and downtown Moorhead becasue it's so close to Moorhead. Those buildings are really run down and I think the easier choice would be to tear them down. Having the upscale shopping downtown would just add more wealthy people downtown so that would encourage nicer more upscale buildings or high rises to be built. I think having a Williams Sonoma, Men's Wharehouse, and definetley a P.F. Changs downtown would help mellow out the surburbaness of Fargo. Putting more suburban businesses downtown I think is great. I have asked my friends if they liked downtown and they said "Of course, but there is nothing downtown that really draws me to it." I have thought about it and agree. That there isn't that great of shopping downtown. Only Ma and Pa stores on Broadway like "Christmas on Broadway", but I do think Fargo-Moorhead has enough people like that to keep those kind of stores in business. This is off topic but there is something (I can't remember the name of it) going into the first floor of the Fargoan. There are also businesses that are moving into Kayes Printing Building. Anyways as I said earlier that Fargo has enought people to support the Broadway stores as well as a Williams Sonoma downtown. Putting a movie theatre downtown: One of the best ideas I think Fargo would have for downtown. I think having a movie theatre that carries main line movies downtown would be great! Plus it wouldn't hurt the business of the Fargo Theatre because it doesn't carry main line movies. About the Hard Rock Cafe downtown. I don't know if the Hard Rock Cafe would choose Fargo for a location of their restaurants. I think they only target the bigger more touristy kinds of cities. BUT, if it was a pretty small Hard Rock Cafe they just might especially since there was a movie named after us (even though Fargo is hardly mentioned :D). There is a slight chance they would move in. But this project I think is down the road but is definetley a possiblity.

I too have had an idea about "The North Dakota Museum of Science" being built in downtown Fargo. First of all we don't have one in the state, as I recall, and Fargo would be the ideal place for it to be built. Why? You may ask. I'll tell you why. In my opinoin, Fargo is the most sucessful city in North Dakota. We are the biggest, have always been the biggest, are growing the fastest(despite the weather and geography of the land :) ), have developed the most high tech jobs, and has an active booming downtown. Getting rid of Mid America Steel I think would be hard because it's hard to just get rid of an industry like that, but it could happen. Also I think it is an outstanding idea about putting the North Dakota Performing Arts Center with it as well as the IMAX. I think if Moorhead continues to get its act together that it would build the Moorhead Performing Arts Center because they have many theatre/arts things for their size. MSUM, Concordia, coming soon Trollwood, Gooseberry Park Players, Moorhead High School, Horizon Middle School, the Rourke Art Museum, and the Rourke art Gallery. Also if Moorhead tears down the M&H and builds a mid to high high rise that they could become a beautiful town for the rich people that work in Fargo and well Moorhead.

The mid to low income condo/apartment building where the Mobil and Fry'n Pan are is an astonishing idea. Right now, if you want a nice condo downtown you're going to be paying between $400,000 and $1,000,000! If your a college student who wants some inspiration or just someone who doesn't make the most money but wants to live downtown, You Can't!!! Because it's too dang expensive! We need lower income places to live downtown.

About your blog. I don't think you should shut it down. I think it's good that your showing many other peopl around the road what Fargo is like and the sucess of it.

I'm glad your back!! And I mean that in the least creepy way possible:D !!!

Nano, thanks for taking more pictures!! I'm going to read what your wrote now.

F-Misthebest

Aug 14, 2006, 3:05 AM

I was taking a walk by the river by the new condos on the Fargo side near the intersection of 13th Ave. South and 4th Street South that runs along side of Island Park. Now there was a public dock that was out in the river and I sat down at the end it was sooooooooo relaxing. There were other pedestrians walking, the sunset, the trees, the river, the warm weather and I thought to myeslf: Know wonder why Fargo is on the Best Places to Live List. I know that I'm going to live hear for a very very long time. :)

NanoBison

Aug 14, 2006, 3:11 AM

Good Ideas F-Misthebest! We wouldn't have to "get rid of" Mid-American Steel. We just need to move it to it's appropriate location in the Fargo Industrial Park on the North side of town. (I'm sure that's what you we're refering to though).

I was down at the river as well this evening. Very peaceful. Peaceful Indeed.

F-Misthebest

Aug 14, 2006, 3:16 AM

Yes that's what I meant.

I think we should tlak about how Moorhead can improve more. I have been reading your blog everyday, Nano, and it got me thinking of what we should do about downtown Moorhead. It's not that bad but like you mentioned in your blog, Moorhead Center Mall, new developments, riverfront ideas, and the further east part of Moorhead.

F-Misthebest

Aug 14, 2006, 3:26 AM

You know, if it wasn't for the flooding in Fargo-Moorhead, I think we could do something with the river like what St. Paul did with their riverfront. Moorhead does have the stairs that walk down to the river with the garden and trees in them. It's quite nice. Also I'm glad the two cities have planted all those new trees. By the way, does anyone know why they have tore up all the ground and sidewalk in frond of the nice plaza by the river on the Fargo Side?

NanoBison

Aug 14, 2006, 5:56 AM

I just finished up my idea on "The Front" guys. Here's the preview :

http://img55.imageshack.us/img55/3116/fargodowntownthefrontthumbcp8.jpg (http://fargo2050.blogspot.com/)

Click on it to get a much larger version from my blog...

I think I might actually next try to do some sketches of what I think the buildings might look like...

:tup:

F-Misthebest

Aug 14, 2006, 4:49 PM

That's very nice work. I wish I was that gifted when it came to stuff like that (editing or even just drawing pictures on the computer). Very nice.:D

Paintballer1708

Aug 14, 2006, 7:55 PM

I am having a great time in Fargo. Its a great city that is growing by leaps and bounds. I am staying at the Wingate Inn in Fargo. Its off I-94 about 5 miles away from downtown. I really like the suburb of West Acres. Another town that is growing at a rapid pace. Lots of new housing developments are going up as well. LOL and of course i had to go golfing. I usually dont golf by myself, but since im up here by myself i mine as well. I went to a great golf course called Prairiewood. Very nice. And the park system along the river by dowtown is very nice. And NDSU is a very nice campus. I was impressed by its size. One thing that i like about Fargo is that it doesnt sprawl out too much. Overall im having a great time. I live tonight. Wish i would have more time to stay, but i dont. I have to go back to work on Wed. I am stopping in Cleveland to visit some friends and then back to the Burgh.

F-Misthebest

Aug 14, 2006, 8:57 PM

Well I'm glad that you are having a wonderful time in our town. And the Wingate Inn is a nice hotel in a nice location. Have you had a chance to go to the new Scheels? Have you been to the Plains Art Museum? They have a neat exhibit at the museum now.

F-Misthebest

Aug 14, 2006, 9:45 PM

Here's what I was thinking, in terms of an actual loop, since I want to see both the north and south parts of the city prosper. The green represents current interstate, the blue represents new loop and the orange square are major interchanges... It's a big plan, and I'm sure it would run in the $200-$500 million dollar range, considering I-29 is $90,000,000 (but that involves alot of rip-up, redo everything, working in tight spaces, not displacing too many people, etc...). I would imagine though, this could be done in phases when each city was ready to add their part. Of course, I didn't have the time to add future developments based around the loop, but I think most can picture how they would go...

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/5216/outerloop6jk.gif (http://imageshack.us)

If it's built in the rural areas, before the development gets to them, they cost much less, becuase there is less issues with right of way, land acquisition, and the land is pretty much flat everywhere....

Hey Nano, you should put this or something similar to this on your blog about what the interstate would be like in 2050. Just a thought.

There's Some More small Downtown Construction Going On!!!!
I was walking around Downtown Fargo today taking some pictures and saw that the Old Broadway Diner closed. I was sad because I really liked that place. Apparently they are turning it into the OB Sports Bar. But the positive part is because they are making a small addition on to it and it's pretty nice. Here's the pic:

http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/3042/downtownfargond1005az4.jpg

F-Misthebest

Aug 15, 2006, 12:11 AM

Here are some pictures of Downtown Fargo that I took today. Lovely weather. Well here they are:

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/2324/downtownfargond1001aq4.jpg
The Beautiful Bank of the West

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/9223/downtownfargond1002wt4.jpg
The Amazing Alerus Bank

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/339/downtownfargond1008bk2.jpg
The Old and the New

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/5828/downtownfargond1003ec6.jpg
The shinny windows of CI Appearel looking south to the Bank of the West on Broadway

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/3515/downtownfargond1004gn9.jpg
A Fancy Podium

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/2580/downtownfargond1006wx8.jpg
It's not State Bank and Trust anymore it's UBS

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/7458/downtownfargond1009yw4.jpg
The Hotel Donaldson and the Forum Building

http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/223/downtownfargond1010ur9.jpg
Looking up the Black Building

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/5968/downtownfargond1011rg1.jpg
Looking South on Broadway from a skyway

http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/7884/downtownfargond1012rk2.jpg
Looking North on Broadway from a skyway

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/7199/downtownfargond1013by7.jpg
A strip of Buildings on Broadway from a skyway

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/2046/downtownfargond1017tj1.jpg
The Top of the Radisson Hotel and US Bank from a skyway

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/1671/downtownfargond1021ma1.jpg
The Reflection of the Fargo Theatre in a skyway

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/2334/downtownfargond1022ot7.jpg
The Radical Radisson Hotel

http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/4816/downtownfargond1023uj1.jpg
The Heritage Hjemkomst Center and Stave Church peaking their heads out from the Trees

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/2314/downtownfargond1025jq6.jpg
The Fargo Theatre from a skyway

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/9574/downtownfargond1026ik6.jpg
America The Beautiful

http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/1268/downtownfargond1027du7.jpg
This wonderful picture includes people in Fargo at the airport, downtown, the farm and many other places in Fargo.

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/815/downtownfargond1030kk1.jpg
The American Federal Bank seen from the top of the US Bank Parking Garage

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/6458/downtownfargond1031sg5.jpg
The Forum Building

http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/2306/downtownfargond1035lj4.jpg
The Fargo High Rise

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/8824/downtownfargond1036fq2.jpg
Workers Hard at Work on the Fargoan

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/5980/downtownfargond1038ol0.jpg
Fancy Schmancy

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/2303/downtownfargond1039zj8.jpg
The Historic Powers Hotel

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/4632/downtownfargond1041mu4.jpg
The Historic Ford Building being converted into Condos

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/9555/downtownfargond1044wr0.jpg
The side of The Historic Ford Building

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/659/downtownfargond1047mt1.jpg
Bristol Place Condos

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/772/downtownfargond1048im6.jpg
I can't wait for this to be teared down and have that new building built. I cannot remember the man's name but he's going to tear down this building tear it down and make a skywalk from that building to the Fargoan to the Powers Hotel.

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/8480/downtownfargond1049hc1.jpg
The Ivers Apartments. A building not seen often.

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/6939/downtownfargond1050eg0.jpg
A nice sidewalk with my shadow. :D

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/7018/downtownfargond1052de2.jpg
The Fargo Theatre

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/4495/downtownfargond1053vh9.jpg
OOOOOOOOOOOOhhhhhhh... AAAAAAAAAAAAAAhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/6080/downtownfargond1055ru9.jpg
The Avalon Events Center. Home of A LOT of Receptions in town. Also Swing Dance lessons every Tuesday. Fargo Swings!

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/5899/downtownfargond1060nu3.jpg
TEAR IT DOWN. BUILD A HIGHRISE!!!!!!!!

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/4773/downtownfargond1061ek2.jpg
Truly one of my favorite buildings downtown.

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/9876/downtownfargond1062xx3.jpg
Plains Art Museum

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/4331/downtownfargond1067vp2.jpg
The Radisson Hotel peaking between some trees. I took the picture looking at the glass building downtown. It's a reflection.

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/3637/downtownfargond1071ku4.jpg
Beauty and the Beast. The fountain and the train.

Those are the pics.

NanoBison

Aug 15, 2006, 2:15 AM

Those are some fricking awesome pics F-Misthebest!!! Make sure you add those to the Fargo Pic Collection. I don't remember the title of the thread...Smiley has it. It was also a beautiful day outside for taking pictures.

edited***

Nevermind I found the link : http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=104164&highlight=fargo

You should be able to cut-copy-paste that last post into there...

Once again, nice work on the photos. Your camera appears to be much nicer than mine !!!

F-Misthebest

Aug 15, 2006, 2:49 AM

Thank you for the comment. Yeah, my camera cost around $500.

F-Misthebest

Aug 15, 2006, 2:55 AM

I think I'll just keep the photos here. If people want to see them, they're going to have to read about Fargo-Moorhead first. :D

Paintballer1708

Aug 15, 2006, 3:19 AM

Awesome photos FM. I was waiting for yours to come. I remember you saying you were taking some. I have about 50 pictures i have taked so far, just of Fargo and the metro. I plan on getting some of Cleveland and Pittsburgh also. What i really like about downtown Fargo is some of the brick work they have at the intersections.

SmileyBoy

Aug 15, 2006, 5:25 AM

You guys NEED to post these in the City Photos forum!!!

Ex-Ithacan

Aug 15, 2006, 9:26 AM

Fun set of pics F-M. I really have to get out to Fargo some day. Thanks.

F-Misthebest

Aug 15, 2006, 4:36 PM

^ No problem.

F-Misthebest

Aug 15, 2006, 4:44 PM

You guys NEED to post these in the City Photos forum!!!

I just like keeping them on this thread instead. I think they belong on the Fargo-Moorhead Developments Information thread. I really like keeping on them on this thread.

F-Misthebest

Aug 15, 2006, 4:56 PM

Now that I continue to think about "The Front" idea, I really think that a Hard Rock Cafe would do nicley in Downtown. It might put the OB out of business but there might be enough people in town to still support it like the how there is enough people to support Christmas on Broadway. Of course "The Front" idea is quite (QUITE) a few years down the road. It really would be in 44 years like on Nano's, blog.

When I was walking downtown yesterday, I walked through the skyways until I reached Fargo City Hall. There was lots of interesting things there. I would strongly suggest going there. It's a lot nicer then you would think. :)

Reichert

Aug 15, 2006, 5:38 PM

Hard Rock doesn't carry the cache that it used to. It used to be that a Hard Rock meant your city was "on the map". But as evidenced by the Hard Rock here in the the Cities, a Hard Rock isn't guaranteed success anymore.

A chain restaurant with quality food might fare better. P.F. Chang's anyone?

F-Misthebest

Aug 15, 2006, 6:12 PM

^I agree Reichert. Hard Rock Cafe isnt what it used to be, but for tourists, it is always somewhere you would like to eat at. And for Fargo-Moorhead, the people here don't care what kind of restaurant it is, they will always try it first. But with the fame that Hard Rock has, it will be busy all the time (especially Friday and Saturday evenings) like every other restaurant in town.

Again I agree with you about P.F. Changs. That is why Smiley, Nano, and myself have mentioned it many times that we should have one in town. I think with our growth rate in population, commercial jobs, industrial jobs, and and with one of the lowest unemployment rates and crime rates in the country, AND with us being listed on one of the Best Places to Live in America, I think the least we deserve is a P.F. Changs. :D

Reichert

Aug 15, 2006, 6:50 PM

As a former F-M resident (1995 to 1998, yes I was a sandbag slinger) I am always having to drive up and down 45th Street and 13th Avenue to figure out who else opened a restaurant for us to eat at.

In short, the Fargo area now has most of the same chain restaurants as the Twin Cities does, the only difference is that in F-M each chain only needs one location (Timber Lodge, Texas Roadhouse, Ruby Tuesday, Old Chicago, etc.). In the case of some retail and food chains you actually beat us to getting one. Lowe's and Texas Roadhouse come to mind. For a good while Lowe's was a MANDATORY stop for us whenever we visited Fargo and we loved it more than Home Depot or Menard's down here.

I think a P.F. Chang's would be a great addition, and for that matter so would a McCormick and Schmick's.

For a history flashback go back to 1998. I lived in what was then Fargo's far southwest corner not far from where the Super Wal-Mart/Sam's Club is now. For eating options within a couple of minutes it was pretty much down to either the new McDonald's by the PETRO, the PETRO itself (nasty), or the Schlotsky's next to the Wal Mart. And yeah, the Denny's which has always been at the corner of 45th and 13th. Everything else was down the road right by West Acres. Today if one lives in my old apartment there are at least 15 more options within WALKING DISTANCE.

As for skyscrapers, I'm not sure downtown is where all of them would wind up. Unless there is an interstate or expressway connection built to downtown it wouldn't be prudent for much more growth to occur downtown. Even in 1998 it was a matter of choosing which way out after work would be the least jammed up: Main Avenue or University Drive. Neither option was particularly pretty by Fargo standards and I can't imagine it's much better now, espeically with the University Drive project going on.

Builders of large scale projects are going to choose a location based on accessibility. With growth in Fargo now occuring further west of I-29, the logical choice for a developer to build something spectacular for Fargo would actually be near the corner of I-29 and I-94.

However, if more capacity could be built to get traffic to the current downtown, then all bets are for building over the current dilapidated lots downtown since the other infrastructure is more in place there.