UPDATE: Fargo has just unveiled its largest public parking ramp, a transformative $20 million facility that promises to reshape the downtown landscape. The grand opening took place on November 14, 2023, at 602 NP Ave, celebrating the completion of a 480-stall parking garage.
This state-of-the-art seven-floor structure is a key component of a larger $60 million development project that includes a six-story housing complex and the new home of the Fargo Moorhead Community Theater. As more visitors flock to downtown Fargo, city leaders emphasize the urgent need for increased parking options.
Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney hailed the grand opening as an “exciting milestone,” stating, “With so many people coming downtown, they need a place to park.” The NP garage’s capacity makes it the largest city-owned ramp, featuring six enclosed parking floors and a seventh floor offering stunning 360-degree views of the downtown area.
What sets this parking ramp apart are innovative security features, including garage doors that automatically open and close as vehicles enter, enhancing safety and accessibility. Motorists will also receive a QR code to scan for re-entry, a measure designed to combat loitering and vandalism, noted Jim Gilmour, Fargo’s director of strategic planning and research.
The ramp’s opening follows three years of planning and collaboration between the Fargo City Commission and the Kilbourne Group, which is responsible for building and operating the facility. The city financed the ramp through $9 million in bonds and a $9 million loan from the Bank of North Dakota, with an additional $2 million sourced from parking ramp revenue.
As part of this comprehensive project, crews are also constructing 168 apartment units, 2,440 square feet of commercial space, and a 400-seat theater with classrooms, expected to be completed next year. This development is poised to catalyze further growth in downtown Fargo, according to Mayor Mahoney.
“Its full potential is being realized,” he added, emphasizing the transformation into a multi-use space beneficial for the community. The NP parking garage marks the fifth public parking facility in downtown Fargo, joining the Roberts Commons Garage, Civic Center Ramp, Mercantile Garage, and the MATBUS Ground Transportation Center.
Visitors can enjoy free parking in city lots after 5 p.m. daily and on weekends. The new ramp also guarantees parking spots for residents of the adjacent apartment complex. Rocky Schneider, executive director for the Downtown Community Partnership, highlighted the impact of parking ramps on local businesses and cultural events, stating, “This is betterment for the entire city.”
As Fargo celebrates this significant development, community members are eager to see how the new parking ramp will enhance accessibility and foster growth in the downtown area. This project not only represents a shift in city infrastructure but also a commitment to making downtown Fargo a vibrant hub for residents and visitors alike.
