by Tessa Keller
Fargo, North Dakota is already the largest city in the state. Still, its population is continuing to grow. The population in and around the Fargo/Moorhead is expected to grow 50 percent by 2045.
This growth will be reflected through the recent increase in jobs, schools, parking, traffic changes, and so on. One of the pressing changes is building development. A lot of the building development targets the already heavily populated downtown area of Fargo.
Although 95 percent of building permits are outside of downtown, a lot of interest has turned to the proximity that downtown has to offer. Downtown is approximately a one mile radius. There is 10 square miles in surface parking lots. This leaves plenty of opportunity open for redevelopment on existing parking space.
All downtowns were the central business districts up until the 1940s. In the 1960s urban renewal hit, which led to expanding suburbs, and replacing historic buildings with these parking lots.
According to Mike Zimney, the project manager for the Kilbourne Group, development is going full circle. He says, “You can’t buy online the authenticity that downtown provides.” People are drawn to the culture, and desire to be close to the source of the action.
Therefore, investment has shifted to downtown Fargo. Retail stores, restaurants, and other various businesses are taking root in the developing area. Historic buildings that would previously be torn down are now the object of redevelopment.
A lot of the building is taking place on the 10 square miles of parking lots, which means there is a need for more development of make-shift parking garages as well. One site in particular that holds the potential for development of a new parking garage is the Good Year site, located on Broadway.
However, the Good Year site is currently used as a Folkways space. Folkways work with the Fargo community creating public exhibits, community engagement projects, and various types of service. Their mission statement says, “We believe compelling culture instills a sense of belonging in a community. That’s why Folkways supports culture creators.”
While redeveloping the existing space of downtown, one thing kept in mind is possible sinking issues. The Red River Valley in particular is not ideal soil for buildings due to its extremely fertile and soft soil.
Five story buildings are built the same way as houses. They simply need a bigger foundation. If the building is too large, such as six stories (depending on soil) then 90 to 110 feet steel pipes are driven into the ground for support.
Zimney, isn’t troubled by the task. He claims the Kilbourne Group holds nothing but excitement for the upcoming tasks in the downtown area. Zimney says, “I, for one, love the local and authentic small entrepreneur aspect that downtown Fargo provides.” The trouble lies within finding the balance between keeping the culture that downtown provides and finding a way to accompany the growth that it attracts.
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