A new public parking ramp has officially opened in downtown Fargo, marking the city’s largest facility of its kind. The grand opening on November 14, 2023, introduced the $20 million structure, which offers 480 parking stalls and is located at 602 NP Avenue. This seven-floor garage is part of a larger $60 million development project that will also feature a new housing complex and the Fargo Moorhead Community Theater.
Fargo’s Mayor, Tim Mahoney, described the parking ramp as an “exciting milestone” for the city, emphasizing the growing need for parking as more people visit downtown. “With so many people coming downtown, they need a place to park,” he stated during the opening ceremony. The NP garage is the largest city-owned parking ramp, providing six floors of enclosed parking. The seventh floor offers a unique 360-degree view of the downtown area.
The garage incorporates advanced security features, including garage doors that open automatically as vehicles enter, enhancing safety for users. Motorists receive a QR code to scan for re-entry, a move applauded by Jim Gilmour, Fargo’s director of strategic planning and research. “We’ve had a lot of people loitering in stairwells in some of our other facilities, and vandalism,” Gilmour noted, emphasizing the security improvements the new ramp will provide.
Construction on the NP parking ramp began in 2024 and was previously a surface parking lot. The overall project will also encompass 168 apartment units, 2,440 square feet of commercial space, and a 400-seat theater with classrooms, all expected to be completed next year. Mayor Mahoney highlighted the transformative impact of this development on downtown Fargo, stating, “Its full potential is being realized. It’s being transformed into a multi-use that is great for our community.”
The parking ramp’s development follows a three-year agreement established with the investment firm Kilbourne Group to build and operate the facility. Fargo city financed the ramp through $9 million in bonds and a $9 million loan from the Bank of North Dakota. The remaining $2 million will arise from parking ramp revenues. Future property taxes generated from the development and ongoing parking ramp income will assist in repaying the loan.
The NP parking garage is now the fifth public facility in downtown Fargo, complementing existing structures like the Roberts Commons Garage, the Civic Center Ramp, the Mercantile Garage, and underground parking at the MATBUS Ground Transportation Center. Notably, Fargo’s public parking areas are free after 17:00 daily and on weekends, making access convenient for residents and visitors alike.
Residents of the new apartment complex will benefit from guaranteed parking spots, further enhancing the project’s appeal. Rocky Schneider, executive director of the Downtown Community Partnership, spoke about the significance of parking ramps in supporting local businesses and cultural events. “To see what this has turned into from a fiscal standpoint for the city of Fargo, it’s way more than a parking lot,” Schneider remarked, emphasizing the overall benefits to the community.
This new parking ramp not only addresses immediate parking needs but also represents a significant step towards revitalizing and expanding downtown Fargo’s offerings, promising to enhance both the economic viability and community spirit of the area.
