The Watkins Building
The south wing of the historic Watkins building is located at 802 Main Avenue, Fargo. It was designed in 1884 by architect Charles Daniel. The building's first owner, Andrew McHench had the building constructed to house Masonic Lodge Shiloh No. 8 with commercial space on the lower floor. The masons occupied the third floor of the building from 1885 to 1889.Fargo College occupied the building from 1887 to 1890, until their first building was completed on their campus near Island Park. From 1890 to 1893 the Northwest College of Commerce, established by Mathias F. Knox, called the building home.F. Leland Watkins, Sr. arrived in Fargo in 1893, working as a typesetter at the Argus newspaper. Mr. Watkins and Mr. Knox became acquainted and formed the Dakota Business School. The school opened in the fall of 1894. The new term started out with five students The DBS offered courses in business management, penmanship, mathematics, accounting, bookkeeping, stenography, and Gregg Shorthand. Gregg Shorthand is a system of writing that uses symbols or abbreviations for words and common phrases. This allows a person to write as fast as someone speaks like when recording testimony in a courtroom.After collecting $500 in tuition from the students, Mr. Watkins arrived at the school to find Mr. Knox and the money gone. The first few years of the schools' operation were difficult for the lone Mr. Watkins. But her carried on. In 1903, Mr. Watkins bought the entire building.The Watkins north wing was built in 1906 at 9 8th Street.Throughout the years of operation building was owned by three generations of Watkins'. F. Leland Watkins, Jr., and F. Leland Watkins III. The school closed in 1978 due to government regulation of teaching techniques and curriculum and the rise of state technical and vocational schools. An estimated 30,000 students graduated from the school.Today the south wing, along 8th Street, houses The Studio and the north wing, along Main Avenue, is home to Reed & Taylor Antiques.The south wing is an excellent example of High Victorian Gothic commercial architecture. It has an elaborate cornice and parapet topped with finials. The north wing, being constructed later, has a Classical Revival facade with arched keystone windows, the second floor features a wide Chicago style three-part window framed by Ionic capital pilasters and white marble string courses. Both wings were listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.Sources: “Dakota Business College | Fargo History.” Accessed November 28, 2016. https://library.ndsu.edu/fargo-history/?q=content/dakota-business-college. Fargo Historic Preservation Commission. A Look Around Downtown: Fargo Heritage Discovery Walk. Second. Fargo, North Dakota: Fargo-Moorhead Heritage Society, 2006. Tim Holzkamm, and Dean Dormanen. The History and Growth of the City of Fargo: Historic Context Study. Edited by David B. Danbom. Fargo, North Dakota: Fargo Historic Preservation Commission, 2001. Troy Larson. Fargo Moorhead Lost and Found: Vintage Views and Local History from the Gateway to the West. Fargo, North Dakota: Sonic Tremor Media, 2016.Photo Sources:Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2054.15.128) Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2006.59.15) Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2052.5.10) “F. Leland Watkins | Fargo History.” Accessed December 9, 2016. https://library.ndsu.edu/fargo-history/?q=content/f-leland-watkins. “Reed & Taylor Antiques, Fargo, ND.” Google Maps. Accessed December 9, 2016.
Renaissance Hall
NDSU's Renaissance Hall on the corner of NP Avenue and 8th Street and began as the Robb-Lawrence building. It was designed by architect William C. Albrant. The building was completed in July of 1903 and cost $40,000. The Robb-Lawrence company were manufacturer's agents and wholesalers for agricultural implements like wagons, wind mills, cultivators, plows, buggies, trucks, trailers, pumps and harrows. Also housed in the building was Hall-Robertson Wholesale Hardware Company. Robb-Lawrence went bankrupt in 1905 after only 2 years in business, but Hall-Robertson Wholesale occupied the building until 1912.In 1913, Stone-Ordean-Wells a wholesale grocery company came and remained until 1922. Northern School Supply co-leased in 1914 and ultimately purchased the building in 1920. The building was home to many businesses besides Northern School supply. The list includes: Sampson Tractor, Chevrolet Motor Company, Fargo Paper, Fargo Glass and Paint, Swiggum Brokerage, and Dacotah Paper.After being home to Northern School Supply for 83 years, School Specialty, Inc. of Appleton, Wisconsin purchased the building in 1997. In 2000, the School Specialty company announced it's plans to demolish the building. It narrowly missed the wrecking ball. North Dakota State University alumni Doug Burgum's company Kilbourne Group bought the building from the Appleton, Wisc. company in 2001 and donated it to North Dakota State University Development Foundation.In 2002, NDSU hired Michael J. Burns Architect Ltd. to aid in the renovation project. It the building was renamed Renaissance Hall in 2008 and became the first significant piece in NDSU's downtown campus.Sources:Fargo Historic Preservation Commission. A Look Around Downtown: Fargo Heritage Discovery Walk. Second. Fargo, North Dakota: Fargo-Moorhead Heritage Society, 2006. “NDSU – Renaissance Hall | MJBALTD.” Accessed December 5, 2016. http://www.mjbaltd.com/renaissance-hall/. “NDSU Renaissance Hall | Work, Play, Food, Shop, Visit, Live | Downtown Fargo - Moorhead.” Downtown Fargo - Moorhead | Downtown Community Partnership. Accessed December 5, 2016. http://downtownfargo.com/dt-fargo/ndsu--renaissance-hall. "Northern School Supply," NDSU Libraries and Archives, 2004. Accessed October 30, 2016, https://library.ndsu.edu/fargo-history/?q=content/northern-school-supply. Troy Larson, Fargo Moorhead Lost and Found: Vintage Views and Local History from the Gateway to the West (Fargo, ND: Sonic Tremor Press, 2016). Photo Sources: “NDSU – Renaissance Hall | MJBALTD.” Accessed December 5, 2016. http://www.mjbaltd.com/renaissance-hall/. “NDSU Renaissance Hall | Work, Play, Food, Shop, Visit, Live | Downtown Fargo - Moorhead.” Downtown Fargo - Moorhead | Downtown Community Partnership. Accessed December 5, 2016. http://downtownfargo.com/dt-fargo/ndsu--renaissance-hall. "Northern School Supply," NDSU Libraries and Archives, 2004. Accessed October 30, 2016, https://library.ndsu.edu/fargo-history/?q=content/northern-school-supply. Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2015.10.1)
The Old Broadway - The Edwards Building
The Edwards Building, currently occupied by The Old Broadway, was built in 1900 by businessman Alex Stern. Stern constructed the building to fill the lot that was left vacant after the Fargo Fire of 1893. He named it after Major Alanson Edwards. Sterns clothing store, Alex Stern & Co. occupied the building from 1903 to 1954. It was replaced by the S & L (Salkin & Linoff, Inc.) Department Store, which remained in the building until it was taken over by the Herbst Department store and later the Old Broadway. A third floor of the building existed until it was removed in 1968-1969. The Old Broadway was opened as a restaurant in 1975 by Katherine Haug. In 1977, the Old Broadway added evening hours and opened what is reported to be the first Disco in Fargo. In the years since, the OB has transitioned to a three-themed building that features: The Old Broadway Restaurant, The OB City Club (replacing the Disco), and the OB Sports Zone which is situated in the West side of the building. The club went under major renovations in the Summer of 2016. Renovations expanded the building towards Broadway, and constructed new bars within The OB City Club and Sports Zone.Sources: “Alex Stern & Co. | Fargo History.” Accessed December 5, 2016. https://library.ndsu.edu/fargo-history/?q=content/alex-stern-co. NDSU Archives Fargo Historic Preservation Commission. A Look Around Downtown: Fargo Heritage Discovery Walk. Second. Fargo, North Dakota: Fargo-Moorhead Heritage Society, 2006. “Old Broadway | Fargo History.” Accessed December 5, 2016. https://library.ndsu.edu/fargo-history/?q=content/old-broadway. Troy Larson. Fargo Moorhead Lost and Found: Vintage Views and Local History from the Gateway to the West. Fargo, North Dakota: Sonic Tremor Media, 2016.Photo Sources:Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2047.4) Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2007.707-04) Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (51.7.15) Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2043.7.15) nstitute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2006.29.3)
Fort Noks Bar of Gold
The Fargo National Bank building that you see today was built to replace a wood, two story building that had been built in the late 1880's. The original building does not have much history to it besides the fact that it had previously housed Citizens National Bank before they moved across the street in 1894. Citizens National Bank moved because the basement of the original building caught fire in 1894, almost burning down the whole building.Fargo National Bank purchased the lot and built the new building in 1911 to serve as its main branch. It was built in the Classical style with Greek Ionic Pillars out of Tennessee Marble. It was designed by EE Joralemon out of Minneapolis and cost Fargo National Bank approximately $55,000. Fargo National bank left the building in 1926 to move to a different location downtown as they had out grown this building. From 1926 until late 1990's, various businesses operated inside, most of which were in the Insurance field.Organized in 1872, Fargo National Bank was one of the oldest banking houses in the state of North Dakota. Martin Hector, who had moved to Fargo in 1872, was elected it's first president. Hector served as president of the bank for 31 years and was also engaged in city politics, serving some time as Fargo's mayor. Fargo's Hector International Airport carries his namesake. Fort Noks Bar of Gold opened in 2005 and continues to occupy the building today. In 2015, the Fargo National Bank building and adjacent north lot was sold to RDO Equipment Inc., who said that Fort Noks would still continue to operate under the new ownership.Sources:“Citizens National Bank | Fargo History.” Accessed December 5, 2016. https://library.ndsu.edu/fargo-history/?q=content/citizens-national-bank. Fargo Historic Preservation Commission. A Look Around Downtown: Fargo Heritage Discovery Walk. Second. Fargo, North Dakota: Fargo-Moorhead Heritage Society, 2006. “Fargo National Bank | Fargo History.” Accessed December 5, 2016. https://library.ndsu.edu/fargo-history/?q=content/fargo-national-bank. “Fort Noks.” Fargo Underground. Accessed December 5, 2016. http://fargounderground.com/listing/fort-noks/. Troy Larson. Fargo Moorhead Lost and Found: Vintage Views and Local History from the Gateway to the West. Fargo, North Dakota: Sonic Tremor Media, 2016.Photo Sources: Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2043.5.15) Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2006.29.7) Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2042.2.3) Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2006.10.14) “Fort Noks.” Fargo Underground. Accessed December 5, 2016. http://fargounderground.com/listing/fort-noks/.
Hotel Donaldson
The building at 521 1st Avenue North, now known as the Hotel Donaldson, was built in 1894 by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows as a meeting hall. It is one of the earliest post-fire buildings in Fargo. The hall provided a much needed meeting space for the community and also served as temporary office space for many regional architects who had moved to Fargo during the post-fire building boom. The laying of the cornerstone was a major community event and was accompanied by speeches of prominent Fargonians and a parade.The third floor was completed in 1916 and these 17 upper rooms became the Donaldson Hotel, named after owner Horace Donaldson. Mr. Donaldson died in 1917 and the business was purchased by Lydia Wendt who continued to run it under the name the Donaldson Hotel as a working man's hotel.In 1943, Mr. & Mrs. Carroll Ligon bought the hotel from Ms. Wendt. The Ligon's ran the hotel for 7 years before selling it to Sidney M. Melbye and his wife Deborah. Mr. & Mrs. Melbye ran the hotel from 1950 to 1974 making a few updates to the marquee and the lobby. As the interstate was completed hotels popped up along the I-94 and I-29 corridors, the Donaldson hotel saw a drop in stays and began to accept long term and permanent residents.Tom Bell purchased the property in 1974. He set out to complete many major renovation projects including installing new carpets, painting, updating the plumbing, installing cable television, and fixed up a small room as a lounge. By 1984, the hotel was primarily an apartment operation but still offered a few rooms for rent by the night.The street level commercial space of the building was home to Mary Elizabeth Frock Shop from 1928-1976, a business owned and operated by Mary E. and Ellen V. Johnson.The hotel once again changed hands in the spring of 2001. Local investor and philanthropist Karen Burgum Stoker bought the Donaldson and gave it new life, giving it a thorough renovation. Stoker partnered with Minneapolis architecture firm Barbour and LaDouceur to transform it into an upscale boutique hotel with a lounge, upscale restaurant and roof top bar.The architectural style of the building is Renaissance Revival with a Palladian motif over the 1st Avenue entrance, framed by freestanding Corinthian columns.Sources: Fargo Historic Preservation Commission. A Look Around Downtown: Fargo Heritage Discovery Walk. Second. Fargo, North Dakota: Fargo-Moorhead Heritage Society, 2006. “Hotel Donaldson | Fargo History.” Accessed November 28, 2016. https://library.ndsu.edu/fargo-history/?q=content/hotel-donaldson. Tim Holzkamm, and Dean Dormanen. The History and Growth of the City of Fargo: Historic Context Study. Edited by David B. Danbom. Fargo, North Dakota: Fargo Historic Preservation Commission, 2001. “Sleep - The Hotel Donaldson.” Accessed December 5, 2016. http://www.hoteldonaldson.com/sleep/. Troy Larson. Fargo Moorhead Lost and Found: Vintage Views and Local History from the Gateway to the West. Fargo, North Dakota: Sonic Tremor Media, 2016.Photo Sources: Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2051.8.1) Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2006.36.18) Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2006.12.5) “Sleep - The Hotel Donaldson.” Accessed December 5, 2016. http://www.hoteldonaldson.com/sleep/. Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2054.15.28)
Forum Communications Building
The Fargo Forum serves as the primary newspaper for the region. The current building was constructed in 1926 at the corner of Fifth Street and First Avenue North. The design of the building is Art Deco composed of steel and concrete and was built by the Meineke-Johnson Company at a reported cost of $300,000 (Roughly $4.1 Million in today's dollars). The third and fourth floors were not added until 1935.Parts of the building have been leased out over the years to other companies including Northwesten Bell Telephone. The building's appearance has been largely unchanged since construction of the last two floors. The only obvious change being that the illuminated FORUM sign on the corner was replaced in 1945 with the obelisk seen today. Since then, the obelisk has been refurbished twice- changing the lights from neon to fiber-optic in the late 1990's, and most recently, the complete restoration of the obelisk with LED lights in 2012. A television camera was also added to the peak for use on a local newscast.Sources:“Fargo Forum | Fargo History.” Accessed December 11, 2016. https://library.ndsu.edu/fargo-history/?q=content/fargo-forum. Fargo Historic Preservation Commission. A Look Around Downtown: Fargo Heritage Discovery Walk. Second. Fargo, North Dakota: Fargo-Moorhead Heritage Society, 2006. Tim Holzkamm, and Dean Dormanen. The History and Growth of the City of Fargo: Historic Context Study. Edited by David B. Danbom. Fargo, North Dakota: Fargo Historic Preservation Commission, 2001.Photo Sources:“Forum Communications Company | Work, Play, Food, Shop, Visit, Live | Downtown Fargo - Moorhead.” Downtown Fargo - Moorhead | Downtown Community Partnership. Accessed December 5, 2016. http://downtownfargo.com/dt-fargo/forum-communications-company. Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2007.0532-03) “Fargo Forum | Fargo History.” Accessed December 11, 2016. https://library.ndsu.edu/fargo-history/?q=content/fargo-forum.
Fargo City Hall
Fargo City Hall was originally built as an add-on to the Fargo Fire Department building in 1885. This building was located at Northern Pacific Ave. and North Roberts Street. City Hall stayed here until 1910 when it moved into its own building connected to the same Fire Department building. Then in 1961, City Hall was built in its current location on 2nd Ave and 4th St North Fargo. All of Fargo City Halls have been built connected to another unlike most traditional city halls. Also its current location is prone to flood problems as the city has had to spend millions on flood protection over the course of its history.Now City of Fargo is building a new city hall across the street from its current location. At the same time, Fargo is building a multi-million-dollar flood protection plan to protect the downtown area to alleviate the flooding. The location of the new city hall is being built on old red light district of Fargo where all the prostitute houses would have been back in early 1900’s. Most notably, the front entrance is located on top of Fargo most famous madam was located. Her name was Malvina Massey.Sources: “City Hall | Fargo History.” Accessed December 5, 2016. https://library.ndsu.edu/fargo-history/?q=content/city-hall.Photo Sources:Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2133.3.19) Fargo, Forum Communications Company 101 5th Street North, and ND 58102 Call us at235-7311. “New Fargo City Hall Design Shows Modest Building Surrounded By...” INFORUM, April 21, 2016. http://www.inforum.com/news/4014977-new-fargo-city-hall-design-shows-modest-building-surrounded-park-event-space. “Fargo Named 16th Best-Run City in Nation, Bismarck Eighth | INFORUM.” Accessed December 5, 2016. http://www.inforum.com/news/4082279-fargo-named-16th-best-run-city-nation-bismarck-eighth. Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2012.5.1)
Ford Assembly Plant
The Ford Motor Company built an assembly plant in downtown Fargo at 505 Broadway in 1914. The Chicago School style building was designed by Ford's head architect, John Graham of Seattle,Washington. The building had show rooms and a garage on the first floor, offices and a shop on the second floor and the assembly plant on the third floor. The plant was located along the Great Northern Railroad tracks and had a spur line running through the building. Automobiles were assembled, then taken to the roof by elevator and washed. This is the reason for the building's iconic "Ford" water tower on the rooftop. After the cars and trucks were washed and shined they were returned to the ground level. The automobiles were loaded on to rail cars while still inside the building and sent to cities across the Midwest.Assembly plants such as this one were built to decentralize the manufacture of cars and trucks. July 23, 1915 was declared "Ford Day" by the city of Fargo to celebrate the completion of the plant. The plant employeed 200 people when fully staffed. Ford built the plant in Fargo to supply the Dakotas with Ford automobiles and to serve as the region's sales and service center. The Ford Motor Company moved their regional operations to Minneapolis in January of 1956. Later that same year, the building was purchased by The Hayer Company, a household appliances dealer who remained in the building until 1988.In 2004, Muchler Bartram Architects purchased the building and renovated it to house retail space on the first two floors and apartments on the third. The renovations were completed in 2006 and the first tenants were Northern Home Furniture, Highmark Realty and Sterling Company. Sources: Fargo Historic Preservation Commission. A Look Around Downtown: Fargo Heritage Discovery Walk. Second. Fargo, North Dakota: Fargo-Moorhead Heritage Society, 2006. “Ford Building | Fargo History.” Accessed December 11, 2016. https://library.ndsu.edu/fargo-history/?q=content/ford-building.Photo Sources:Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2001.30.2) Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2006.28.28) Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2007.0325-04) State Historical Society of North Dakota (2004-P-19-006) “About Us.” Northern Home Furniture. Accessed December 5, 2016. http://www.northernhomefargo.com/about-us/. Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (51.7.1)
First Lutheran Church
The First Lutheran Church at 619 Broadway was built in 1919 after a merger between First Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church and St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church. The English Gothic Revival style church was built by Minneapolis architecture firm Magney and Tussler. The corner stone of the church was laid by Reverend I. D. Ylvisaker, the president of the Norwegian Church of America.The congregation of First Lutheran Church of Fargo dates back to 1871. The early congregation members were mostly Norwegian immigrants who had moved to Fargo from Rice County in Minnesota. The church’s first service was held in the basement on Christmas Day. Services in the main sanctuary began after construction was completed in 1920. After the congregation moved to the current location on Broadway, their former church on the 400 block of Roberts Street, was dismantled and replaced with a funeral home.Sources:Fargo Historic Preservation Commission. A Look Around Downtown: Fargo Heritage Discovery Walk. Second. Fargo, North Dakota: Fargo-Moorhead Heritage Society, 2006. “First Lutheran Church | Fargo History.” Accessed December 9, 2016. https://library.ndsu.edu/fargo-history/?q=content/first-lutheran-church.Photo Sources: “First Lutheran Church Celebration Center| CRG.” Wild | CRG. Accessed December 9, 2016. http://wildcrg.com/portfolio/first-lutheran-church-celebration-center/. Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (rs006816) Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2006.46.30) Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2054.15.46) State Historical Society of North Dakota (00075-571)
Cathedral of St. Mary
St. Mary's Cathedral was built in 1899 as the Catholic Church in Fargo. The property also contains the Bishop's Residence as today the Cathedral also serves as the seat of the Catholic Diocese of Fargo.The church was designed by Edward P. Bassford head architect of Bassford & Company of Minneapolis. The design is that of Victorian Gothic Revival. It was built by a construction company from Duluth, Minnesota and local architect firm, the Hancock Brothers, supervised the construction.The bell tower stands at 172 feet tall and houses the lone bell of the cathedral. The smaller tower of the cathedral houses a statue of the Virgin Mary.The Cathedral was commissioned by North Dakota's first Bishop John Shanley. Bishop Shanley who sought to move the Diocese from Jamestown to Fargo, purchased the land for the church and construction begain in 1891. Construction was temporarily halted in 1893 by the Fargo fire. The building was finally completed in 1899. It remained the only Catholic church in Fargo until 1917. Bishop Shanley was honored by the Diocese, naming the local Catholic High School after him.Sources:“Catholic Diocese of Fargo, ND.” Accessed December 10, 2016. http://www.fargodiocese.org/. “Cathedral of St. Mary - Fargo, ND.” Accessed December 10, 2016. http://cathedralofstmary.com/. “Cathedral of St. Mary | Fargo History.” Accessed December 5, 2016. https://library.ndsu.edu/fargo-history/?q=content/cathedral-st-mary. Fargo Historic Preservation Commission. A Look Around Downtown: Fargo Heritage Discovery Walk. Second. Fargo, North Dakota: Fargo-Moorhead Heritage Society, 2006.Photo Sources:Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2042.6.1) Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2023.M-4) “012666.jpg (620×349).” Accessed December 10, 2016. http://www.inforum.com/sites/default/files/styles/16x9_620/public/field/image/012666.jpg?itok=GR8zPSkU. Bjoertvedt. English: Images from Central Fargo, North Dakota., June 30, 2012. Own work. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fargo_St_Mary_Cathedral_IMG_0657.JPG.
Bismarck Tavern
The Bismarck Tavern is among the oldest bars in Fargo. It was opened in 1937 by Stanley C. and Ruth Peterson at 516 Broadway as The Bismarck Liquor Store and Cafe. Between 1945 and 1947, the Peterson’s moved their business to its current location, 522 Broadway. In 1951 the Bismarck came under new ownership. Bill Ross bought the property and changed the name to the Bismarck Tavern in 1955. Over the years the tavern has changed hands many times. Ardell J. McGovern bought the property in 1965. A decade later, McGovern sold the Bismarck to O.J. Bushaw, Noel and Gwen Hefte of Grand Forks in 1975. Charles Sauvageau of C & M Investments is the current owner of the tavern. He bought the property in 1984.Sources:“Bismarck Tavern | Fargo History.” Accessed October 24, 2016. https://library.ndsu.edu/fargo-history/?q=content/bismarck-tavern.Photo Sources:Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2023.69.2) Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2006.29.40) Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2054.15.19) Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2054.15.18)
Fargo Theatre
Construction of the Fargo Theatre began on September 15, 1925. It is located on the former site of a fruit store known as the Idlekope Building. When the Fargo Theatre was completed six months later in March 1926, it became Fargo’s premiere cinema house. On opening day in March 15, 1926, the vaudeville hit “Man on the Box” played. In 1937, the theatre underwent an art deco renovation.A second major renovation started in the 1980s and was completed in 1999. It is now the center of Fargo’s art and film scene. It is the area's last remaining vintage film place and vaudeville stage. The theatre serves as a multipurpose facility showing films, live productions and meetings. It also houses a restored theatre pipe organ called the "Might Wurlitzer".The Fargo Theatre is one of the most photographed and filmed buildings in Fargo thanks to its iconic marquee which has been used as the backdrop for ESPN’s College Gameday broadcast. Sources: Fargo Historic Preservation Commission. A Look Around Downtown: Fargo Heritage Discovery Walk. Second. Fargo, North Dakota: Fargo-Moorhead Heritage Society, 2006. “Fargo Theatre | Fargo History.” Accessed November 28, 2016. https://library.ndsu.edu/fargo-history/?q=content/fargo-theatre. “Our Story - T F Powers Construction Co - Fargo, ND.” TF Powers Construction Co. Accessed November 21, 2016. http://www.tfpowers.com/our-story/. Troy Larson. Fargo Moorhead Lost and Found: Vintage Views and Local History from the Gateway to the West. Fargo, North Dakota: Sonic Tremor Media, 2016. Tim Holzkamm, and Dean Dormanen. The History and Growth of the City of Fargo: Historic Context Study. Edited by David B. Danbom. Fargo, North Dakota: Fargo Historic Preservation Commission, 2001.Photo Sources:“Fargo Theatre, Fargo, N.D. :: Photo Gallery - Images from the NDSU Institute for Regional Studies (NDSU).” Accessed November 21, 2016. http://cdm16921.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/uw/id/7544. “Welcome: About.” Accessed November 28, 2016. http://www.fargotheatre.org/about Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU (2022.10.2) Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (51.171.1) Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2006.29.23)
Loretta Building
The Loretta Building was built in two phases by businessmen and former Mayor Peter Elliott. The first phase of the building (now known as south portion) was completed in 1909. Peter named this building after his youngest daughter, Loretta Elliott. In 1910, the Bergstrom and Crowe Furniture Store became the first tenants in this building (Bergstrom and Crowe remained until 1940). In 1912, The second and final phase was completed. This building has housed many tenants over the years from Scheels Hardware to Cattle Supply to Billiards on Broadway (bar/pool hall).The original structure was built in classical style and survived until 2008 when the building was bought and completely renovated by the Kilbourne group to the building you see today. The Kilbourne Group left as much original material as they could in the renovation process and the front of the building is covered in modern materials with original stone work still intact underneath. The most popular place in Loretta Building is the Boiler Room Resturant located in the basement.Sources: Fargo Historic Preservation Commission. A Look Around Downtown: Fargo Heritage Discovery Walk. Second. Fargo, North Dakota: Fargo-Moorhead Heritage Society, 2006. “Loretta Building.” Kilbourne Group. Accessed December 11, 2016. http://kilbournegroup.com/properties/loretta-building/.Photo Sources:Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2006.12.4) Cass County Historical Society, Bonanzaville, West Fargo (2070-160-1) “Loretta Building.” Kilbourne Group. Accessed December 11, 2016. http://kilbournegroup.com/properties/loretta-building/.
Merchants National Bank Building
Merchants State Bank opened on the corner of Broadway and N.P. Avenue on July 8, 1890. The building was completely destroyed three years later in the Fargo Fire of 1893. A new bank was built on the same site and business continued as usual. In 1906, the bank's charter was changed and it was renamed the Merchants National Bank. The bank continued to grow and moved to a new location at 122 Broadway in 1921. The bank's new location is the building that you see today. Built in 1921, it is of Commercial Colonial Revival style. The construction is brick with cream-colored glaze tile trim, a name date block, and Jacobean tabs around the windows. It was built by Fargo architect firm the Hancock Brothers who dominated the post-fire construction era in Fargo. Merchants National Bank moved to a new construction at 505 2nd Avenue North in April of 1964. Today the building is home to King House Chinese Buffet. Sources:Fargo Historic Preservation Commission. A Look Around Downtown: Fargo Heritage Discovery Walk. Second. Fargo, North Dakota: Fargo-Moorhead Heritage Society, 2006. “Merchants National Bank | Fargo History.” Accessed December 11, 2016. https://library.ndsu.edu/fargo-history/?q=content/merchants-national-bank.Photo Sources:Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2042.2.1) Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2023.L-10) Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2058.17.2) "King House Buffet, Fargo, ND.” Google Maps. Accessed December 11, 2016.
The Black Building
George Black, son of an Irish immigrant came to Fargo in 1912 to open a dry goods store. He and his father founded a store and their business flourished. In 1929, after the stock market crash, Black decided to build a new facility for his store. Thus, the Black Building was built. Black sold his company to Sears, who sought to open a business in Fargo. Black used the proceeds to finance the construction of the Black Building.The Black Building was built in by the T.F. Powers Company and designed in 1930 by an architect firm out of Minneapolis, Minnesota Lang, Raugland, and Lewis. Fargo architects Braseth and Houkom were the consulting architects for the building's construction. Sears occupied the basement and two first floors with George Black acting as manager. The remaining six floors were office space for tenants like doctors, lawyers, dentists and local TV station WDAY news. The Black building was sold to a local investment firm in 1986 for $1.8 million. It was sold again in 1993 for $700,000 to LTD, Inc. of Grand Forks. Kilbourne Group purchased the building in 2015 and still owns the building today. Fargo's Black building is one of the tallest buildings in the Historic District and is a prominent feature of the city's sky line. Faced with Indiana limestone and dark metal window spandrel panels it is an excellent example of Art Moderne style. Sources:“Black Building | Fargo History.” Accessed December 11, 2016. https://library.ndsu.edu/fargo-history/?q=content/black-building. Fargo Historic Preservation Commission. A Look Around Downtown: Fargo Heritage Discovery Walk. Second. Fargo, North Dakota: Fargo-Moorhead Heritage Society, 2006. Fargo, Forum Communications Company 101 5th Street North, and ND 58102 Call us at235-7311. “Kilbourne Group Buys Historic Black Building in Downtown Far...” Accessed December 12, 2016. http://www.inforum.com/news/3837426-kilbourne-group-buys-historic-black-building-downtown-fargo.Photo Sources:Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2006.12.1) Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2006.15.19) Everett Brust. Restored facade of the Black Building in 2003. Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2006.29.10) State Historical Society of North Dakota (00075-570)
Pioneer Life Insurance Building
The Pioneer Life Insurance Company incorporated in 1907. The company built this four story brick office building was built in 1910. The insurance company left the building in around the year 1917 but the building remained the home to other business offices. The Pioneer Life Insurance building eventually becames Dolund apartments.In 2000, the building underwent major renovations and was transformed into Dakota Pioneer House and the Mental Health Clinic. The ground level of the building has always been home to small local businesses and shops. Sources:Fargo Historic Preservation Commission. A Look Around Downtown: Fargo Heritage Discovery Walk. Second. Fargo, North Dakota: Fargo-Moorhead Heritage Society, 2006. “Pioneer Life Building | Fargo History.” Accessed December 12, 2016. https://library.ndsu.edu/fargo-history/?q=content/pioneer-life-building.
First Presbyterian Church
First Presbyterian Church in Fargo was founded in 1877 with a congregation of nine people. With no church building, the built a small wooden shack on a small parcel of land donated by SG Roberts at the corner of 1st Ave and 8th Street North. This remained as the church for approximately the next twenty-eight years. At that time the church was sold to PT Tendick who moved the church and remodeled it into a housing complex. After the original church was moved, a new brick building was built in 1906, with seating for 425 people. This building was used by the church until 1929 when it was determined that a new church was needed as the congregation had surpassed thirteen hundred people. Between 1916 and 1918, the all black congregation of the First Baptist Church used the basement of the church for its services. It is not clear why these services were held here instead of at their normal church for such a brief period. The current property was not big enough to house the new church that was needed, so the land along with the church was sold to the US post office as site for its new building.First Presbyterian bought the land they currently occupy on 2nd Ave between Roberts and 7th Streets North in 1929 and built the current church you see today. The church itself is built in gothic traditional style with outside made up of mostly neutral colored bricks. Up until 2002, the church under went very little change except for the heavy renovation it underwent in 1985. In 2002, the church started a massive expansion project that took little over a year to complete. It added on new office space as well as general meeting and classroom areas, added modern elevators to reach the second floor balcony in the church and added the modern foyer that you see today.Sources:Fargo Historic Preservation Commission. A Look Around Downtown: Fargo Heritage Discovery Walk. Second. Fargo, North Dakota: Fargo-Moorhead Heritage Society, 2006. “First Presbyterian Church | Fargo History.” Accessed December 9, 2016. https://library.ndsu.edu/fargo-history/?q=content/first-presbyterian-church.Photo Sources:“First Presbyterian Church Fargo, ND - History.” Accessed December 9, 2016. http://www.firstpresfargo.org/history/. Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2042.6.16) Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2041.22.6) Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2023.L-188)
Federal Courthouse
Today the Federal Building and Main Post Office are in the same building in downtown Fargo on 2nd Ave North between Roberts and 7th St. The building you see today is a remodeled look of the originally building that was built in 1930. From 1930 until 1970, the original building served as the Post Office, Federal Courthouse, and Federal Building. In 1998, a new four story addition was completed on the west side of the original federal building connected by a glass atrium. This new addition was built to house the US District and Bankruptcy Courts and US Marshall Service and cost $15 million. After the completion of this addition on July 29, 1998, the Federal Building was rededicated as the Quinten N. Burdick United States Courthouse. In 1970, the US Post Office built a new building and moved to the very west end of the block. This is the same building standing today even though it is now connected to the Quinten Burdick Courthouse building.Sources:Fargo Historic Preservation Commission. A Look Around Downtown: Fargo Heritage Discovery Walk. Second. Fargo, North Dakota: Fargo-Moorhead Heritage Society, 2006. “Federal Buildings and Post Offices | Fargo History.” Accessed December 10, 2016. https://library.ndsu.edu/fargo-history/?q=content/federal-buildings-and-post-offices.Photo Sources:Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2023.P-52) Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2023.P-82) Photographs in the Carol M. Highsmith Archive, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (LC-DIG-highsm- 10734)
The Gardner Hotel
The Gardner Hotel, which opened in 1909, was once considered Fargo’s premiere hotel. The hotel was completely planned, built and financed by Fargoans. It was designed by Fargo Architects the Hancock Brothers and cost $150,000 to build. The hotel included featured 150 rooms, steam heat, a public dining room, a barber’s shop and a billiard room. The hotel mostly catered to travelling salesmen but for time to time hosted celebrities and dignitaries like Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Charlie Chaplin, Charles Lindbergh and James J. Hill.The Gardner went through a major renovation in 1941. In 1985, the building was converted into a 129 unit apartment complex.The Gardner is one of the most elaborate Classical Revival buildings in downtown Fargo. Note the paired cornice and foliated metal frieze, the brick quoins, and the stone balustrade over the Roberts Street entrance. Other Classical Revival features the hotel dons are egg and dart trim at the tops of the corner piers above the first story, and stylized Corinthian capitols at the top of the pilasters.Sources:“Gardner Hotel | Fargo History.” Accessed November 28, 2016. https://library.ndsu.edu/fargo-history/?q=content/gardner-hotel. Fargo Historic Preservation Commission. A Look Around Downtown: Fargo Heritage Discovery Walk. Second. Fargo, North Dakota: Fargo-Moorhead Heritage Society, 2006. Tim Holzkamm, and Dean Dormanen. The History and Growth of the City of Fargo: Historic Context Study. Edited by David B. Danbom. Fargo, North Dakota: Fargo Historic Preservation Commission, 2001. Troy Larson. Fargo Moorhead Lost and Found: Vintage Views and Local History from the Gateway to the West. Fargo, North Dakota: Sonic Tremor Media, 2016.Photo Sources:“The Gardner | Hegenes.” Accessed December 9, 2016. http://www.hegenes.com/gardner. Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2023.L-31) Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2054.15.206) Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (2001.66.22)
Plains Art Museum
With the bonanza farms of Fargo and the Red River Valley producing vast amounts of grain crops for the Minneapolis market, the International Harvester Company decided to establish a farm implement dealership and distribution center in Fargo. They built their first buildings in 1879, including a two story office building and three warehouses. The building that now houses Fargo’s Plain’s Art Museum was constructed in 1904 for the International Harvester Company of Chicago. The building is located at 704 1st Avenue North, near the tracks of the Northern Pacific Railroad. It is a three story masonry building designed in the utilitarian style of the day. It is characterized by the exterior masonry walls and large windows which let in large amounts of natural light deep into the interior of the building. The interior of the building features heavy timber beams capable of supporting the large machinery that was housed on each floor. A freight elevator provided access to all three floor. The Fargo branch of the International Harvester company could easily transport farm equipment to towns in eastern North Dakota and western Minnesota.After years of sitting abandoned the building went through serveral years of renovation. It was reopened on March 6, 1997 as the Plains Art Museum. The museum maintains a collection of regional art and hosts traveling art exhibitions. Sources:Fargo Historic Preservation Commission. A Look Around Downtown: Fargo Heritage Discovery Walk. Second. Fargo, North Dakota: Fargo-Moorhead Heritage Society, 2006.Photo Sources:Institute for Regional Studies, NDSU, Fargo (51.7.4)
