Moorhead’s Skyline is Changing: New Developments Rise
Exciting times are ahead for the residents of Moorhead! The skyline is about to receive a fresh update, with the construction of the 650 Block project underway. This new building, situated at the corner of Center Avenue and Seventh Street, marks the first significant rise in downtown Moorhead’s redevelopment journey.
What to Expect from the 650 Block
The 650 Block is designed to be a mixed-use space. This means that, on the ground floor, there will be commercial businesses, while the upper floors will be home to apartments. So, if you’re looking to shop or dine in the area, this new building could be a perfect spot!
Developer Kevin Bartram has shared that the construction process has been smooth so far. However, downtown construction sites often come with surprises. As Bartram explained, “Of course, we ran into all that in the site because it was originally built up previously.” This isn’t uncommon in development, and it’s all part of the adventure!
A Glimpse into the Future of Downtown Moorhead
This initiative is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of Moorhead’s larger redevelopment project. In total, there are plans to transform nine city blocks into a vibrant mix of apartments, commercial spaces, and parking facilities. Alongside the 650 Block, other projects are also in the works, including a new public library and community center.
Construction Details to Keep in Mind
The foundation work has been impressive, with crews installing prefabricated concrete slabs that will serve multiple purposes, including parking structures and commercial spaces. As the project progresses, three stories of wood framing will be added on top of this concrete base, with two apartment wings designed to overlook both Center Avenue and the beautiful Red River.
Downtown Chiropractic, one of the few remaining businesses in the Moorhead Center Mall, is set to be a tenant in this new building. Bartram aims to wrap up construction by early fall of 2025, giving us a lot to look forward to!
Revamping the Roads
Just west of the new building, construction efforts on the first new road in downtown Moorhead are nearing completion. Crews have been busy pouring the roadway and curbs for a section of Sixth Street, which will provide access to the parking area adjacent to the mall. City Engineer Tom Trowbridge shared that fortunate weather is allowing the construction to continue without delays usual for this time of year.
“We’re just lucky that we’re able to keep working right now,” Trowbridge noted. The hope is that Sixth Street could be opened by the end of the week of November 18, allowing more accessibility in the growing downtown area.
Changes at the Moorhead Center Mall
Meanwhile, some familiar businesses are still holding strong in the Moorhead Center Mall. While the Clay County DMV has moved to a new location, others like Downtown Chiropractic, Sharon’s Hair and Massage, His Styling Salon, and Moorhead Vision Associates remain. In fact, Moorhead Vision Associates is looking forward to moving to a brand-new facility in the Azool shopping area around late November or early December.
What Lies Ahead?
Once the mall’s western side is vacated, the next phase of its demolition is anticipated to kick off in late winter or early spring. The plan is to ensure that space is ready for more infrastructure and development, which is quite an exciting prospect for the growing community.
Over at the site of the upcoming public library and community center, construction crews from McGough Construction have been working diligently. Currently, they’re focusing on laying the groundwork, with plans to move on to upper structural work soon. The grand opening of this community hub is slated for spring 2026.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, there’s a lot happening in Moorhead! With the rise of new buildings and improved infrastructure, the city is positioning itself for a vibrant future. This is just the beginning, and the excitement around these developments is almost palpable. Stay tuned, Moorhead community – your downtown is becoming even more of a fantastic place to live, work, and play!
