Council approves Essentia Health clinic renovation and 15‑year tax exemption for 730 Center Ave

The Moorhead City Council voted July 13 to approve a resolution granting a 15‑year Renaissance Zone property‑tax exemption to support the renovation of 730 Center Avenue into a full‑service Essentia Health clinic.

Lyseth, the project presenter, told the council the plan calls for Essentia to initially occupy roughly 11,000–14,000 square feet on the first floor and to renovate approximately 21,000 additional square feet on the second and third floors over time. "This has been a long time, coming that we've been talking about it," Lyseth said, and described planned services including family medicine, urgent care, radiology, laboratory services, a retail pharmacy and physical therapy.

City staff said the project’s $8.6 million estimated investment — presented at roughly $245 per square foot — exceeds the $150 per square foot Renaissance Zone threshold and therefore qualifies for the 15‑year exemption. Council member Deb White emphasized the project’s fit with downtown street‑improvement efforts and public spaces and moved to approve the resolution; the council carried the motion in a roll‑call vote.

Mayor Shelley Carlson thanked Essentia for choosing Moorhead and noted the organization’s local contributions, including a $1,000,000 donation to a downtown loop project and additional planned funding for the riverwalk area. "I am beyond thrilled that we are now gonna have an urgent care facility in Downtown Moorhead," she said.

The council’s action authorizes the tax‑exemption resolution; the project remains subject to building permits and subsequent contract and permitting processes. Staff said the floor‑area, program elements and investment estimate were presented to the council as part of the public‑hearing record.