Plans begin to surface for future of Downtown Moorhead

(Moorhead, MN) -- Details are beginning to become available for what the future of Downtown Moorhead will be.

Roers Construction says Moorhead’s downtown will be revitalized with expanded opportunities for lifestyle, diversity and a growing expressive culture. Roers has unveiled the initial concept plans for the Downtown Moorhead Development project, inspired by a vision of “More to Moorhead.” The re-imagined downtown area is the stepping stone for the future growth and value of Moorhead. Roers will oversee the planning and execution of the development, which may be upwards of nine city blocks.

“Roers is investing in this project as we feel there is a fantastic opportunity for Moorhead, its business community, and its residents,” commented Jim Roers, CEO of Roers. Roers will work with and bring on other developers to complete the project. “With a project of this magnitude, partnering with other developers in the community will bring new ideas and enhancements to the development. We have already held conversations with interested developers and welcome others to get involved,” said Roers.

Roers is the lead developer of the project and is working with the City of Moorhead to establish design standards for the entire project. This will streamline the process for developers who want to be involved in the project. Roers is partnering with JLG Architects and Stantec to help bring the vision to reality for the development. Building off of Moorhead’s Downtown Master Plan and Comprehensive Plan, the design team has worked closely with stakeholders to set the framework for a development which would support the growth and continued prosperity of Moorhead. Roers says that a vibrant downtown is the heartbeat of any thriving community, and that great consideration has gone into developing an intentional master plan to serve as a framework for development, with the goals of being fresh and exciting for Moorhead residents, as well as existing and new businesses. In the research for the Downtown Moorhead vision, the most common responses were, according to the contruction company, the need for opportunities for Moorhead residents to live, work, and have entertainment options.

Combining cultural architecture from Moorhead’s roots to all heritages represented in the community, JLG has designed the concept to be a place where people from all cultures can come together. The plan envisions place for people to live, work, shop, relax, learn and celebrate together. Incorporated green
space will include water features tying in the connection to the riverfront, entertainment opportunities in an outdoor plaza area and street sections will add to the “gathering” atmosphere. Established museums and new opportunities for art, education and theater will provide a thriving cultural destination. Unique local and global dining options will attract those visiting but also those living in the development. Housing options may range from rooftop patio condos, walk up townhomes or studio river view apartments.

Plans include multiple phases of the project. As the plans are still being finalized, the first phase may include four new buildings and will be located at the east end of the existing Moorhead Center Mall area. The second phase would be on the south section of the Moorhead Center Mall with new buildings added. Each of the spaces within the mall is privately owned, therefore Roers is working with each owner to understand their needs and opportunities for their businesses as part of the new development. All businesses are welcome to be a part of the development and remain in downtown Moorhead. The City of Moorhead anticipates studying the renovation/relocation of City Hall, however no decision has been made.

"The plan captures a vibrant and inclusive vision for our downtown. It pays homage to the roots of the people of this region, while also creating space and opportunity for people to see themselves living, working, and playing in our downtown,” says Moorhead Mayor Shelly Carlson. “The City of Moorhead is
excited to be part of this incredible redevelopment that will provide the catalyst Moorhead needs to ignite our downtown and create places filled with amazing experiences."

Roers and the City of Moorhead entered into a predevelopment agreement in 2019 with the option for Roers to purchase City-owned property. The partnership involved identifying redevelopment opportunities for the existing Moorhead City Hall and surrounding City-owned property.

For more information on this project and to keep up to date on the development status, click here.