The Fm Extra | The city will take the lead on the redevelopment of the city center

McGough Construction crews work on the lower level of the new Community Center/Library on the southwest corner of the downtown redevelopment site.( Photo/Nancy Hanson.)

The City of Moorhead is taking the lead on downtown redevelopment with the completion of Roers Development’s pre-development agreement to help revitalize the Center Mall area.
The Fargo-based firm has worked with Moorhead for the past five years to create a shared vision for the area. The collaboration included the company working with mall owners to acquire their property and help relocate to Moorhead. His staff worked with the city to redesign streets and utilities to optimize the renewed area.
“Moorhead could not have launched this project without Roers,” said City Manager Dan Mahli. He called Roers teams dedication and expertise invaluable. “We look forward to continuing the work as we enter the next phase of development.”
Jim Roers, CEO of the development company, said, “We have thoroughly enjoyed working with the City of Moorhead on this transformative project. It has been a privilege to help shape the vision for downtown and we are excited to see the rebuild begin.” He called it a “unique opportunity” to create a “vibrant hub of housing, community spaces and commercial opportunities.”
Construction has begun on two of the nine redesigned blocks – the community center/library on the southwest corner and Kevin Bartram’s mixed-use building on the east side of the mall area.
Construction downtown is expected to continue over the next several years, with more than $400 million in additional new development anticipated. City Hall will also be remodeled and reconfigured as a stand-alone structure. According to a press release from Roers, the company will continue to provide assistance as needed, but the city will now be the primary contact for developers interested in the area. For more information about the project, contact Derrick LaPoint, president of Downtown Moorhead Inc.