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Moorhead officials report progress on downtown redevelopment, demolition and grant efforts
Summary
City staff updated the Moorhead EDA on downtown infrastructure, a $1 million DEED redevelopment grant, demolition plans west of city hall, library community center progress and next steps for a cultural mall and private development projects.
Economic development staff told the Moorhead Economic Development Authority that a series of downtown projects are moving forward, including street extensions, demolition scheduling and grant work to unlock private development.
Derek (board chair) and staff reported completion of a 6th Street extension that provides access and parking for remaining downtown businesses and said demolition work west of city hall is planned for spring to make way for infrastructure and new development. Staff said portions of city operations are temporarily located at the Yum Com Center and in upper floors of the former U.S. Bank building while the city hall renovation proceeds under a contract with McGough.
The city received a $1,000,000 DEED redevelopment grant in the last round and staff said they plan to apply again (deadline Feb. 1) for demolition funding to clear the east side of city hall. Derek said the earlier $1,000,000 award was notable because the program allotted only $2,000,000 in that round (one $1,000,000 award for the metro area and one for greater Minnesota).
Staff also briefed the board on private projects: developer Kevin Bartram’s project is rising quickly along Center Avenue, the Fairmont Flats project on First Avenue is advancing, and the library/community center project is under construction with steel framing visible in recent weeks. Former council member Laura Caroon is assisting planning for a center for entrepreneurship inside the new library/community center.
Fauzia Adi’s cultural mall purchase agreement on Center and Eighth Street, and discussions with developer Bartram, were mentioned as ongoing partnership projects. Staff encouraged EDA members and the public to review the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Navigating Your Competitive Future workshop summary, saying the 2020 downtown master plan and the 2022 Onward Moorhead comprehensive plan should guide next steps.
Why it matters: The combination of public infrastructure, demolition, and grant funds is intended to create parcels that can attract private investment into Moorhead’s downtown core.
Commissioners asked for a facilitated follow-up to the ULI recommendations; staff proposed a Brown-Bag workshop or a joint session with planning and council members to review next steps.
Staff also noted an open house hosted by the Minnesota Department of Transportation on Jan. 14 (4:30–6:30 p.m.) at the Yum Com Center for the Highway 10/75/1075 corridor project and encouraged public attendance.
