On September 5, Main Avenue in Fargo, North Dakota, fully reopened after two years and a $28 million transformation. Main Avenue, once named Front Street, is part of Fargo’s historic downtown and features two and three-story buildings built between the 1880s and 1940s. Metcalf worked with our client, Dakota Underground, to ensure the project was in compliance with the laws and regulations that pertain to historic architecture.
The project was rooted in a partnership between the State of North Dakota and the City of Fargo. The construction made improvements to the underground water and sewer system and updated the driving surfaces for the flow of traffic in the area. These improvements will create easier access to the historic downtown district for residents, visitors and local businesses.
Metcalf worked as part of a bigger team to ensure the project could continue uninterrupted, saving the public time and money. This project required compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. It was federally funded and had the potential to affect historic properties (older than 50 years). Our team documented the condition of the historic buildings prior to construction, monitored the construction activities for both unanticipated discoveries or potential impacts to the buildings, and documentation at the end of the project to determine the impact of the construction on the historic district.
Ultimately, the project was finished a month ahead of schedule with all of the historic resources in the district intact and unharmed. The Main Avenue project in Fargo is an excellent example of how communities can continue to grow and innovate without sacrificing ties to their heritage. Metcalf is proud to have helped our client, Dakota Underground, create new opportunities for Main Avenue while ensuring its history can live on.
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