Sign Badger approved for five‑year property tax exemption to move into former Fargo Brewing building

The EDIC voted to approve a five‑year property tax exemption for Sign Badger as the company seeks to acquire and retrofit the former Fargo Brewing Building at 610 University (corner of University and 7th Avenue North).

Jim Gilmore told the committee the application scored 168 points on staff’s rubric (above a 110 benchmark) and recommended approval. Dawson Chapter, who said he had acquired Sign Badger last year, described plans to expand from an existing West Fargo location into roughly 22,000 square feet (about 14,000 square feet of production space and 5,000–7,000 square feet of office/co‑working space). He said the company plans a six‑figure investment to renovate the building, expects at least one new job in year one and two by year three, and anticipates additional growth through mergers and acquisitions.

The proposal includes leasing some space and creating a co‑working environment; Chapter said the team has already identified a tenant for a coffee shop in the former tap room area. Committee members asked about on‑site logistics: Chapter confirmed the building has an overhead door, a loading dock useful for vehicle graphics, and 63 parking spaces. He also said a conditional use permit application was before the planning commission on April 7.

Committee members discussed inter‑city competition. Chapter said West Fargo had offered a $250,000 forgivable loan to keep the business there, and members noted the local incentive is structured as a tax deferral rather than direct cash. Following discussion, a motion to approve the five‑year property tax exemption was moved, seconded and carried by voice vote. The committee welcomed Sign Badger’s planned move to Fargo.

Next steps: the applicant continues permitting (planning‑commission review was cited) and will proceed with closing and renovations if permits and the sale move forward.