Coming Soon! Spring 2024
Anyone who frequents downtown Fargo has surely seen the steady progress of the former Bank of the West building, which towers over Main Ave. If you’ve seen the giant cranes at work and wondered what exactly is happening with this renovation project, we’ve got you covered.
Back in June of 2021, Bell Bank announced an agreement to purchase the multi-story office tower, and interior demolition began the following February of 2022. What most people may not know is that the building was not simply renovated or remodeled—it was stripped down to its bare bones, all the way down to the very frame that held it up.
Bell Bank partnered with Olaf Anderson for the construction, with the intent of investing in local businesses and workers to see this project through— that was a very important aspect for Bell Bank COO Laine Brantner.
Bell Bank also partnered with T.L. Stroh as the architect for the tower project, and many significant design additions have been made—most of the external changes taking place on the south-facing side. Originally built in 1973, the previously 105,000-square-foot tower now has an additional 80,000 square feet being added as well as a skyway that will join the Bell Parkview ramp to the tower.
Previously known as the Island Park ramp, the Bell Parkview ramp now has an additional floor, increasing the number of parking spaces to 485. The ramp will be reserved for Bell Bank employees but will open for public parking after 5 p.m. and on weekends, providing extra parking for downtown or Island Park visitors.
The anticipated completion of the Bell Tower is set for May of 2024 with employees moving in shortly thereafter. For more information, visit bell.bank.com
