Moorhead’s Skyline Set to Transform with Exciting New Developments
Moorhead is bustling with activity as construction crews work hard on what will be a new landmark for the city. Rounding the corner of Center Avenue and Seventh Street, you can see the first major steps in the transformation of downtown Moorhead, with the rise of the 650 Block project. Initially dubbed the 600 Block, this mixed-use building aims to bring a vibrant mix of apartments and businesses to the heart of the city.
Progress on the 650 Block Project
As we stroll by, we can catch a glimpse of crews installing prefabricated concrete slabs that will form the first floors of the building. Developer Kevin Bartram expressed optimism about the progress, though he acknowledged that construction in a downtown area often comes with unexpected challenges. “We’ve hit old foundations and pipes underground, things we anticipated but still had to deal with,” Bartram noted. The anticipation surrounding this first building sets the tone for future projects that will transform nine city blocks into a bustling community filled with apartments, commercial spaces, and ample parking.
First Floor and Beyond
The structure will house commercial spaces on the ground floor, creating buzz and foot traffic, while the upper floors will be home to apartments boasting picturesque views—one side overlooking the busy Center Avenue, and the other providing a serene glimpse of the Red River. Notably, one of the tenants in this exciting project will be Downtown Chiropractic, one of the last remaining businesses in the Moorhead Center Mall, which will make the move once the new space is ready.
Road Work and Infrastructure Development
Just a hop, skip, and jump away from the 650 Block, we can also see progress on Sixth Street, the first new roadway being built in downtown in quite some time. City Engineer Tom Trowbridge shared some insightful details, explaining that crews have been busy completing the sewer and water work beneath the road, preparing to pour curbs and the roadway itself.
“We’re fortunate to have continued work this late in the year,” Trowbridge said, expressing relief at not being hindered by early snowfall, a common roadblock in past years. With the concrete curing, we could expect Sixth Street to open as soon as the week of November 18—a development eagerly awaited by both residents and visitors alike.
The Future of Moorhead Center Mall
Moorhead Center Mall is in the midst of exciting changes as well. After the D.M.V. made its recent move to a new location on 15th Avenue North, most businesses now occupy the eastern side of the mall. Some establishments, like Moorhead Vision Associates, have plans to transition to new facilities soon. Derrick LaPoint, president and CEO of Downtown Moorhead Inc., noted that transition indicates a bright future for the area.
As part of the ongoing evolution, plans for demolishing the vacated western side of the mall are slated to kick off in late winter or early spring. This demolishment will create room for more infrastructure, driving continued development in the community.
Exciting Additions on the Horizon
As we look further into the future, the construction of a new Public Library and Community Center southeast of the mall is well underway. Crews from McGough Construction have been working tirelessly, installing precast beams and columns in the basement as they prepare for the ground floor. Expected to open in spring 2026, this facility is sure to be an important hub for residents, offering educational resources and a gathering spot for community events.
Conclusion
The revitalization of downtown Moorhead signifies a larger vision of growth and community enhancement. With new constructions popping up and old spaces being transformed, Moorhead is preparing for a bright, vibrant future that promises to enrich the lives of its residents. There’s never been a better time to watch the transformation unfold right before our eyes!
