FARGO, ND — A groundbreaking new public parking ramp opened today, changing the landscape of downtown Fargo with its stunning 360-degree skyline views. The $20 million facility, featuring 480 stalls, celebrated its grand opening on November 14, 2023, with city leaders emphasizing its importance to the community.
Mayor Tim Mahoney hailed the ramp as an “exciting milestone” for the city, addressing the growing need for parking in the bustling downtown area. “With so many people coming downtown, they need a place to park,” he stated during the event. This seven-floor parking garage, located at 602 NP Ave, is part of a larger $60 million redevelopment project that will also include a six-story housing complex and a new theater.
The NP parking ramp is now the largest city-owned garage, boasting a unique design with garage doors that automatically open and close as vehicles enter, enhancing security for users. Jim Gilmour, Fargo’s director of strategic planning, noted that this feature will deter loitering and vandalism, which have been issues in other facilities.
Motorists parking in the ramp will also benefit from a secure entry system requiring a QR code scan to re-enter the building. This innovative approach aims to provide a safer environment for all users, especially amidst concerns from previous incidents.
Construction of the ramp began in 2024, transforming what was once a surface parking lot into a multi-functional space. The project is expected to include 168 apartment units, 2,440 square feet of commercial space, and a 400-seat theater with classrooms, all set for completion next year.
Mayor Mahoney highlighted the broader implications of the project, stating, “Its full potential is being realized,” emphasizing the transformation of downtown Fargo into a vibrant community hub.
The grand opening of the NP parking garage comes three years after the Fargo City Commission authorized an agreement with Kilbourne Group to develop and manage the facility. The city funded the ramp through $9 million in bonds and a $9 million loan from the Bank of North Dakota, with the remaining $2 million generated from parking revenues.
This newly opened ramp is the fifth public parking facility in downtown Fargo, joining the Roberts Commons Garage, Civic Center Ramp, Mercantile Garage, and underground parking at the MATBUS Ground Transportation Center. Notably, city parking lots are available for free after 5 p.m. daily and on weekends, encouraging community engagement and exploration of downtown.
The NP parking ramp also promises dedicated spots for residents of the new apartment complex, further solidifying its role in enhancing urban living. Rocky Schneider, executive director of the Downtown Community Partnership, remarked on the significance of the project, noting its potential to benefit local businesses and cultural events.
A lifelong resident of the area, Schneider expressed his excitement about the transformation, stating, “To see what this has turned into from a fiscal standpoint for the city of Fargo, it’s way more than a parking lot. It’s way more than a theater that’s going in here. This is betterment for the entire city.”
As Fargo continues to evolve, the NP parking ramp represents a pivotal step towards a more integrated and accessible downtown experience. Stay tuned for updates on this transformative project as it progresses.
