FARGO, ND — A groundbreaking new public parking ramp has officially opened in downtown Fargo, elevating the city’s infrastructure with a stunning 360-degree view of the skyline. The $20 million facility, which boasts 480 stalls, was unveiled in a celebratory event on November 14, 2023. This ramp is the largest public parking garage in the city, a crucial addition to support the growing influx of visitors and residents in the downtown area.
City leaders, including Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney, hailed the grand opening as a significant milestone for Fargo. “With so many people coming downtown, they need a place to park,” Mahoney stated, emphasizing the ramp’s role in fostering urban development. The facility is part of a larger $60 million project that will also include a six-story housing complex and the new home of the Fargo Moorhead Community Theater.
The new parking ramp features advanced security measures, including garage doors that automatically close behind vehicles, a first for city-owned ramps. Motorists receive a QR code upon entry, ensuring a more secure parking experience. Jim Gilmour, Fargo’s director of strategic planning and research, noted, “We’ve had a lot of people loitering in stairwells in some of our other facilities. This makes it more secure for people parking their cars here.”
Construction on the NP parking ramp began in 2024, transforming what was once a surface lot into a vital urban hub. The project will also yield 168 apartment units and additional commercial space, expected to be completed next year. Mayor Mahoney remarked, “Its full potential is being realized. It’s being transformed into a multi-use space that is great for our community.”
The Fargo City Commission entered into an agreement with Kilbourne Group to build and operate the parking garage, financed through a combination of bonds and a loan from the Bank of North Dakota. The city sold $9 million in bonds and secured another $9 million loan to fund this ambitious project. The remaining $2 million will come from parking ramp revenue, with future property taxes expected to assist in repaying the loan.
This ramp marks 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, parking is free after 5 p.m. daily and on weekends, making it accessible for both residents and visitors.
Local leaders stress the importance of parking ramps for supporting businesses and cultural events in downtown Fargo. Rocky Schneider, executive director of the Downtown Community Partnership, highlighted the benefits of the new facility, stating, “This is betterment for the entire city.”
As Fargo continues to grow and evolve, the new parking ramp is poised to play a pivotal role in the city’s urban landscape. Stay tuned for further updates as this project develops and transforms the downtown experience for all.
