A new public parking ramp has officially opened in downtown Fargo, marking a significant addition to the city’s infrastructure. The facility, which cost approximately $20 million, is now the largest public parking garage in Fargo, featuring 480 parking stalls. City leaders gathered on November 14, 2023, to celebrate the grand opening of this seven-floor structure located at 602 NP Ave.
The parking ramp is part of a broader $60 million development project that will also include a six-story housing complex and the new home for the Fargo Moorhead Community Theater. Fargo’s Mayor Tim Mahoney highlighted the importance of the new facility, stating, “With so many people coming downtown, they need a place to park.” He described the opening as an “exciting milestone” for the city.
Unique Features and Improved Security
The NP parking ramp stands out for its modern design and security features. The seventh floor offers a panoramic 360-degree view of downtown Fargo, enhancing the experience for visitors. The ramp includes innovative garage doors that automatically open and close as vehicles enter and exit, a feature that differentiates it from other city-owned ramps.
To enhance security, motorists are issued a QR code upon parking, which must be scanned to re-enter the building. Jim Gilmour, Fargo’s director of strategic planning and research, noted that this measure aims to deter loitering and vandalism observed in other facilities. “We’ve had a lot of people loitering in stairwells in some of our other facilities, and vandalism,” he explained, emphasizing the need for a secure environment.
Future Development and Economic Impact
Construction on the NP parking ramp, along with the housing and theater complex, began in 2024. The project is expected to yield 168 apartment units, 2,440 square feet of commercial space, and a 400-seat theater with classrooms, all of which are projected for completion next year. Mayor Mahoney expressed optimism about the project’s potential to stimulate downtown growth, stating that “its full potential is being realized.”
The parking ramp project was initiated following a three-year agreement between the Fargo City Commission and the Kilbourne Group investment firm, which will build and operate the facility. The city financed the ramp primarily through a combination of $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.
Fargo now operates five public parking ramps in its downtown area, alongside the Roberts Commons Garage, Civic Center Ramp, Mercantile Garage, and underground parking at the MATBUS Ground Transportation Center. The city offers free parking in these facilities after 17:00 daily and throughout weekends. Furthermore, Gilmour confirmed that parking spaces have been reserved for residents of the new apartment complex.
The establishment of the NP parking ramp is not just about providing parking; it represents a commitment to enhancing the downtown experience for residents and visitors alike. Rocky Schneider, executive director of the Downtown Community Partnership, emphasized the importance of accessible parking for businesses and cultural events, enabling a vibrant downtown atmosphere. “To see what this has turned into from a fiscal standpoint for the city of Fargo, it’s way more than a parking lot,” he remarked. “It’s betterment for the entire city.”
