September 15, 2016

Kilbourne Group update for fall 2016

There is much to celebrate and enjoy these days in downtown Fargo!

Fargo Monthly, a local magazine, recently released a list of 13 Things to Love About Downtown Fargo. From repurposed historic buildings and mixed-use infill, to arts, retail and restaurants, the list embodies our Gratitude for the Present.

After decades of incremental development in Downtown Fargo, a tower crane went up August 16 for the construction of a city-owned garage aimed at alleviating the high neighborhood demand for parking. Kilbourne Group is developing the garage through a partnership with the City of Fargo. The garage will be wrapped on three sides with a Kilbourne Group mixed-use project, which is designed to extend Broadway’s walkability and activate Roberts Alley by adding small scale retail, new restaurant space and apartment units. Excavation for the project has given Kilbourne Group the opportunity to live out its core value of Respect for the Past, as we’ve uncovered historic treasures, including foundation walls from the stately Carnegie Library and Columbia Hotel which once stood on the site.

The American Legion at 505 Third Street North has been folded into the Kilbourne Group family of downtown Fargo properties. The building is across the street to the north of the Block 9 site and is home to The Pickled Parrot, a popular night club among college students in the region.

The renovation of the historic St. Mark’s church is nearing completion, and the Sanctuary side of Sanctuary Events Center is open for events. Since the opening showcase event on June 30, dozens of weddings and live music acts have been booked.

As it closes in on 90 years old, the Black Building has been nominated for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. In August, our team held an informational meeting with tenants to share renovation plans and develop renovation strategies to minimize disruption to their business. We are grateful to these business leaders and artists that have remained dedicated to this iconic structure and share our Inspiration for the Future as we look to write her next chapter.

Leasing demand is high for Woodrow Apartments with close to 500 people expressing interest in receiving lease information. Leasing begins this fall and they are set to open in early 2017. Woodrow Apartments offer amenity-filled historic or new construction around a courtyard featuring community grills, fire pits and plenty of green space. Available underground parking, washer and dryer in unit, and a shared indoor social space between the two buildings make Woodrow living comfortable and convenient.

Progress continues on the Block 9 project. As cold weather nears, ground breaking is planned for early 2017.

Whether you’re a local or relatively new Fargoan (welcome!), the transformation the area continues to undergo is apparent. While the growth is noticeable, the planning, principles, and reasons for the progress tend to be behind the scenes. Our team offers downtown Fargo walking tours by request, to give you a view of Fargo’s urban core through the developers and city planners eyes. What exactly has changed, and more importantly, why? If you have a group interested in the tour, please contact us!

Kilbourne Group is a team committed to honoring, supporting, and growing downtown Fargo. We believe in retaining and carrying forward the history of Fargo through thought leadership, the restoration of historic buildings and the creation of new buildings that honor our heritage while inspiring the future. Each project we complete, every new business that opens downtown, and the support our community provides keeps the team invigorated, grateful, and excited about the future of the Fargo Metro Area.