McGough Construction crews are working on the lower level of the new Community Center/Library in the southwest corner of the downtown redevelopment site.( Photo/Nancy Hanson.)

The city of Moorhead is taking over leadership of downtown redevelopment, with the completion of Roers Development’s pre-development agreement to help revitalize the Center Mall area.
The Fargo-based firm has worked with Moorhead for the past five years to create a shared vision for the area. The collaboration has included the company’s work with mall property owners to acquire their property and help with relocation within Moorhead. Its staff have worked with the city on redesigning streets and utilities to optimize the renewed area.
“Moorhead could not have gotten this project off the ground without Roers,” city manager Dan Mahli said. He called the Roers’ teams dedication and expertise invaluable. “We look forward to continuing the work as we enter the next phase of development.”
Jim Roers, CEO of the development firm, said, “We have thoroughly enjoyed working with the city of Moorhead on this transformative project. It’s been a privilege to help shape the vision for downtown, and we are excited to see the reconstruction begin.” He called it a “unique opportunity” to create a “vibrant hub of housing, community spaces and commercial opportunities.”
Construction has begun on two of the nine redesigned city blocks – the community center/library in the southwest corner, and Kevin Bartram’s mixed-use building on the east side of the mall area.
Downtown construction is expected to continue over the next several years, with more than $400 million in additional new developments anticipated. City Hall will also be remodeled and reconfigured as a stand-alone structure. According to a news release from Roers, the company will continue to provide support as needed, but the city will now be the primary contact for developers interested in the area. For more information about the project, contact Derrick LaPoint, president of Downtown Moorhead Inc.