Four proposals for new convention center in Fargo move forward

FARGO (KFGO/KVRR) — Four out of nine proposals for the new Fargo Convention Center are moving forward after a unanimous vote by city commissioners.

They include Mutchler Bartram Architects site at Brewhalla, Enclave site at Scheels Arena, RLE Architecture site at Fargodome and EAPC Architects downtown site for the City Hall and Fargo Public Library parking lot.

All four were tops in scoring by the Convention Center Committee and their consultant.

The next steps for the committee include what should be in the second round of the RFP or Request for Proposal.

All four finalists will also face a round of questioning.

“The next phase is the critical phase cause it’s the financial modeling and to me the critical thing is it has to be financially successful and not be a burden on the taxpayers. And so to me the location that’s not that important, the most important thing is it’s at least breakeven and hopefully makes money so that is going to be a critical thing,” said Commissioner Dave Piepkorn.

Voters last November approved a 3% increase in the lodging tax to pay for a convention center.

It is projected to raise $75 million over 25 years.