FARGO (KVRR) – Fargo City Commission has voted 4-1 to select Fargo Civic Center as the site of the new convention center, over Brewhalla.
Outgoing commissioner Denise Kolpack was the lone vote against the selection.
The plan is to transform the existing structure into a convention center through a public-private partnership.
The city will finance its construction with a development team financing the construction of a 100-room Marriott Moxy hotel.
Fargo’s skyway will connect the new center to the new hotel, the existing Radisson Blu and Jasper hotels, as well as a city-owned parking garage.
There are numerous partners including Kilbourne Group, Zander Capital Management, McGough Construction, KLJ Engineering and others.
Construction could start this year, with completion targeted for 2029.
“I am excited if you get a performing arts in the community, I am excited if you find that funding, said Mayor Tim Mahoney.
But the Museum of Science right now is trying to find $50 to $60 million and they’re struggling. It’s not always as easy as you think to try to raise money in this community.”
Two years ago, voters authorized an additional 3% tax on hotel and motel stays to fund construction of a new convention center.
Also tonight, tributes were paid to Mayor Mahoney for over 20 years of service to Fargo along with departing Commissioners Kolpack and Dave Piepkorn.
Josh Boschee will lead the next meeting in July when he is sworn-in as mayor and Chad Peterson and Nikkie Gullickson become commissioners.
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