THE BUILDER ISSUE
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At Creative Touch Homes we build for you and your family, livability and luxury. We take the time to listen to your most unique requests. If it is important to you, it is a priority to us.
BUILDING LIVABLE LUXURY Serving Western North Dakota | 701-751-4503 | creativetouchhomesnd.com
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RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE
RIVER + RANCH TEAM
volume 3: issue 2 River + Ranch Magazine is a collaborative effort to showcase the creativity and design of the West. The two publishers of Bismarck Magazine decided to embark on a new adventure and create a totally different magazine focusing on design, art and western living.
Publishers
Hannah Haynes hannah@bismarck-magazine.com
Caroline Crary
Publisher/Co-Founder
Jenna Kluting
Publisher/Co-Founder
Donnell Dennis Roehrich
Karel Sovak
Jennifer Kranz
Hannah Haynes
Layout Editor
Caroline Crary caroline@bismarck-magazine.com Layout Editor Copy Editor Contributors
Cover Image Advertising
Jenna Kluting Jennifer Kranz Cory Birrenkott Jennifer Kranz Jeremy Kukowski Maria Fleck Matt Schanandore
Executive Sales Rep
Writer
Editor
Glasser Images Donnell Dennis Roehrich donnell@bismarck-magazine.com
Bailey Hauf Writer
River + Ranch Magazine Corporation, Copyright 2018 River + Ranch and riverandranchmagazine.com. All rights reserved. This periodical cannot be reproduced without the written permission of River + Ranch Magazine. River + Ranch Magazine will not be held responsible for any errors found in the magazine. Bismarck Magazine Corporation accepts no liability for statements made by advertisers.
Maria Fleck Intern
After 43 years... Where Every Day is a Home Show!
3709 Memorial Hwy | Mandan, ND | 701-663-7902
1150 3rd Ave W | Dickinson, ND | 701-227-8441
Helping build the community you call home for over 40 years.
Mark Barstad | barstadbuilders@gmail.com 701-774-8465 | 2301 North Main Ct. Williston, ND
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
32
Custom Construction Start new with one of many local builders and developments in western North Dakota.
Glasser Images
10 Foundation to Finish 16 Builder Features 32 New Developments 56 Developments and Podcasts 60 Picking Your Contractor 62 Fort Abraham Lincoln 64 Cory’s Concrete Corner
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RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE | April-May 2020
Actual Pure Skin Patient
BE INSPIRED. DARE TO ASPIRE. www.daretoaspirend.com 701-751-4140 PURESKINNOW.COM 100 W. Broadway Inside Broadway Center
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LETTER
FROM THE PUBLISHERS Happy Spring! We are so excited to see some sun, get outside and start enjoying a little more warmth. I know our builders are excited to start the season off and break ground on your new home. Still deciding on where to build, which builder to use? This issue is the one for you! From the Parade of Homes to home shows, this spring is packed with opportunities to find exactly what you are looking for in your dream home. Looking to build in north Bismarck? How about looking for a new home in Watford City? Check out the new developments, Silver Ranch, in Bismarck and the builders involved, or Stepping Stone in Watford City and the brains behind the booming neighborhoods there. So get inspired and get ready for building season! Check out the pages to come for ideas, builders across the west and inspiration for now or later! View the list below for home show and Parade of Homes dates across the West. Come see the team of River + Ranch at the shows and we will bump into you at the parades. *If show or parade is not listed it may have already passed. PARADE OF HOMES Bismarck 4/23-4/26 Dickinson 4/25-4/26
HOME SHOWS Willison 4/3-4/4 Dickinson 4/18-4/19
*River + Ranch Magazine is a publication is a locally produced publication and collaborative effort to showcase the creativity and design of the West. River + Ranch is a home magazine dedicated to highlighting design, art and Western Living. Based in Bismarck, ND, but showcasing everything Westward. You can find River + Ranch Magazine at any local grocery store in Bismarck, Mandan, Minot, Dickinson, Williston, Watford City, Medora and smaller cities in between. Thank you for reading.
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RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE | April-May 2020 Glasser Images
For more information call 701-842-6658 www.SteppingStoneWatford.com Paul Ficara, Broker Paul@TeamAdvantage.us
New stick-built residential construction in Watford City, ND
• Completed homes available now • Builder lot packages • Custom home opportunities • Golf course frontage lots
701.258.3464 www.knutsonhomes.com knutsonhomesinc@msn.com
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from
F OU N D AT IO N T O FI N I SH story: Jennifer Kranz photos: Glasser Images
We’re following the Vetter family through their new build over the next few issues. From beginning to end, here’s an exclusive look into what it takes to build a dream home.
RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE | FOUNDATION TO FINISH
W
e’re back this month to check in on the progress of Joe and Mariah Vetter’s Promontory
Point home. In the last issue of River + Ranch we learned about how the couple dreamed up the idea for their sure-to-be stunning home and watched as the build began and the framing took shape. In this issue we’ll learn about where the Vetter’s find inspiration and take a peek into their build as the walls are finished and the details begin to emerge. One of the biggest inspirations behind the Vetter’s unique and modern traditional
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FOUNDATION TO FINISH | RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE
build is their family. “We plan to be here for quite some time,” Joe explains. Because of this, Joe and Mariah put a lot of thought into how their family will live here and how the home will function for them. They meet with clients in their home office, they enjoy entertaining family and friends, and they know they’ll spend time in their master bath so special consideration was given to these areas. The Vetter’s also enjoy drawing inspiration from home shows and home tours. They travel to the Twin Cities for the Twin Cities’ Parade of Homes to find out what builders and remodelers are doing in bigger cities. They like to stay on the cutting edge of home design, and this is one of their favorite ways to do so. Bringing new design elements to the homes of Bismarck, and now their own, is important to the Vetter family. Not only did Joe and Mariah add fresh design elements throughout their new home, they made sure to include elements they loved from their previous home as well. These elements reflect their personalities. “For our house there were things that I definitely knew I wanted and things I definitely knew I didn’t. It’s more custom so it’s taken a little more time to make decisions,” Mariah explains.
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RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE | April-May 2020
RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE | FOUNDATION TO FINISH
Wood beams were one of these elements
The interior of the house is beginning
Details are beginning to emerge like
of the walls.
and they play a prominent role in the
to take shape with framed walls now
the impressive stone fireplace and the
The exterior of the home is close to
house. The beams help bring warmth to
drywalled and finished and trim detail
mid-century modern inspired medallion
completion and perfectly reflects Joe and
the white spaces inside and add contrast
starting to go in. With walls up and
on the foyer ceiling. A large, black
Mariah’s vision. The clean, crisp rooflines
to the modern lines outside. “There are
nearly finished it is easy to see how the
kitchen island is ready for a counter-
mimic those of the rooflines drawn on
beams outside and beams inside. Lots of
windows will flood each room with
top and perfectly sized for entertaining,
the napkin so many years ago and the
beams,” Joe says smiling.
natural light creating the light and airy
something the Vetter’s love to do. The
warm wood accent beams combine to
look Mariah appreciates.
dark island helps to balance out the white
create an inviting exterior façade. w w w . r i ver a n dr a nch m aga z i n e . com
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Substantial columns add a traditional feel to the covered porch that Mariah was so excited to include in the home. Move in day is approximately 2 months away. We asked what the next two months would look like and Joe explained, “From here on out everything that goes in stays in which means its all cosmetic. Its exciting to see it all come together.” He adds, “It’s fun to picture our family living here.” Be sure to join us in the next issue of River + Ranch for the final reveal of the Vetter’s home. Find out which wall treatment they used to make dramatic statements in various rooms and how they warmed up the clean, white lines of the home. Additionally, we’ll introduce you to some of the subcontractors that helped make the Vetter’s dream home a reality and share what aspect of the finished home brought Mariah to tears.
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RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE | April-May 2020 Joe Vetter
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Builder Feature | Premier Homes STORY BY Jennifer Kranz | PHOTOS BY GLASSER IMAGES
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RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE | April-May 2020
T
he old real estate adage ‘Location, location, location’ that highlights the importance of location, couldn’t
have been more fitting for Wade and Kristy Vogel as they settled into their newly renovated home. The Premier Home couple toured us through their home and filled us in on all things planning, process, and design of their Lakewood remodel. The Vogel’s had originally planned on building on another lot in a different subdivision but couldn’t beat the location of their home in Lakewood. “I like Lakewood, I do.” Wade explains, “It may seem strange that a builder would buy an existing home, but we couldn’t replace this location.”
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RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE | April-May 2020
Proximity to work and accessibility to all things Bismarck was important to the Vogel’s, too. “It’s easy to get anywhere and we’re five minutes from anything,” Wade says of their Lakewood home. When it came to the renovation Wade and Kristy didn’t really have a plan. “We knew we wanted to customize the home for us, and we went from there,” Wade says. Their renovation included knocking down walls, taking every door down, and taking the cabinets off the walls. The couple did the remodel after work in their free time so the process took a little longer than a traditional renovation might take for Premier Homes. “With a client they’re still going to be living in the home, so you want to make it easy on them,” explains Wade. “For a client you get in and get out as fast as you can.”
couple worked together on the kitchen
door and created a snowball effect for
appeal to everyone,” Kristy says of her
flooring.
the design.
design style. “I’d say it’s industrial chic-
To assist in the renovation of their home
Joanna Gaines meets Windy City,” she
Kristy and Wade used the sub-contractors
Just like in their Premier Homes,
Kristy added subtle industrial accents
they work with at Premier Homes. The subs
Kristy did all the design work in the
throughout the home. The metal
worked on the plumbing, electrical, and
Vogel’s home and Wade wanted his
wrapped fireplace is softened by a
Highlights of the Vogel’s remodel
framing aspects of the remodel and included
father to make their staircase railing.
reclaimed warm wood mantel. “I like
include the kitchen, master bath, a shoe
Pahlke Steel, Imperial Flooring, and Armour
The beautiful, metal piece makes a
unique things, things that people
closet, and the garage. In the kitchen
Floors. Wade did all the tile work and the
statement as you walk into their front
probably wouldn’t pick and might not
Wade and Kristy rearranged the layout
says smiling.
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to better function for their family and
shoe room complete the master space.
updated the cabinetry. “We knew we
Not to be left out, the exterior of the
everything out from siding, roofing, and
home got a face-lift, too. “The exterior
flooring,” Wade explains. “I pick everything out and he builds it,” Kristy adds.
wanted gray cabinets, so we incorporated
The garage had been an unfinished space
transformation is probably the biggest of
the whites and grays,” Kristy explains.
and is now a multi-use area. The old
all of it,” Wade explains.
kitchen cabinets and a pub table were
“We both have the same vision, so we get
With the master bed and bath remodel
added to create a hang-out space and a
We asked the Vogel’s about their working
along really well,” Kristy explains. Wade
the Vogel’s gained double vanities and a
patio door was installed to create access
relationship and its evident that they
adds, “She knows what she wants, and I
walk-in shower. A tub, walk-in closet and
to the backyard.
complement each other perfectly. “She picks
want to get the job done.”
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RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE | April-May 2020
Don’t be Afraid, Embrace Custom!
(701) 220-7884 | redfordsignaturehomes.com
BISMARCK | MANDAN QUALITY HOME REMODELING
Helping build the community you call home for over 40 years.
AFTER
Mark Barstad | barstadbuilders@gmail.com 701-774-8465 | 2301 North Main Ct. Williston, ND
3320 Hamilton Street, Suite 2 Bismarck ND 58503 701-204-0168 bismanremodelpros.com
BEFORE
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“We are seeing more and more remodelers and home builders stopping in to see the different options in steel that can be incorporated into their projects. It is a very cost effective and versatile material that can be finished many different ways. I have been in several homes that have used steel products and think it fits well in certain homes.� - Randy Flesness with Pahlke Steel
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RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE | April-May 2020
BEFORE
AFTER
New Construction • Remodel • In-House Design • Custom Carpentry
701.391.0290 www.bigriverbuildersnd.com under construction
under construction
Capture memories where you feel most at home. Let’s get cozy!
under construction available for sale in April
under construction available for sale in April
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Builder Feature | grendahl design company STORY BY maria fleck | PHOTOS BY GLASSER IMAGES
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RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE | April-May 2020
I
nviting. This is the word that immediately comes to mind when you walk into Sarah and Roger
Grendahl’s beautiful home. A bright and airy space, the home is decorated in a farmhouse/costal style that makes you feel at home. Comprised of 6,200 square feet, their home features 6 to 8 bedrooms, a gorgeous master suite, a stunning kitchen, and a cozy living room. The children’s bedrooms in the Grendahl’s own home were designed by Macie (13) and Isaac (11). While designing her room, Macie chose grey and pink for the walls, inspired by her love of ballet, and accented one of the walls with gold dots. In addition to this, Macie chose
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a loft bed for her room. Isaac first painted his room grey, then blue and orange, and now it is all blue. However, Isaac said, “I wish I had just kept it grey,” so another color change may be coming soon. They are both enjoying their home.
In every home that Roger and Sarah build and design, they try to do something special. The stair railing in every house is a custom metal welded stair railing. One of Sarah’s signatures is putting hexagon tiles in bathrooms for a retro, but classic look. Many of their houses have featured fireplace walls, each one designed uniquely. Another of their specialties are the kitchens and bathrooms particularly the master shower. All their homes are designed in Sarah’s signature coastal/farmhouse style.
Like the home, Roger and Sarah are welcoming and friendly, and their passion for what they do is obvious. Working together has become their norm. They first met while working at Kmart in high school. Now, Sarah helps
Roger with the business side of RG
Both Roger and Sarah are personable
allowing them to be accessible.
Electric, the electrical company he has
people whose previous experience with
owned for 13 years. They also worked
homeowning makes them relatable
The idea for Grendahl Design Company
together to create their own building
to their customers. They have owned
stemmed
and designing company, Grendahl
homes in every stage, from new builds
of building their own home when
Design Company. Working with your
to remodels. Their customers can trust
they moved from Williston. Roger
spouse may not sound appealing to
that the Grendahls know where they
explained, “We’ve lived in this house
everyone, but Sarah said, “It’s kind of
are coming from. Roger and Sarah
almost four years now, but we moved
how we thrive together.”
are also very hands-on and flexible,
here from Williston about seven years
from
their
experience
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ago. This house is our first full build. We
started kicking around the idea of doing
She went to school for interior design
physical creation of the house. Their
went to go buy a house and the market
a spec house. Then it went on from there.
and creates the house plans from the
different strengths complement each
was really high when we moved here.
We’ve been doing spec houses, and last
ground up, then designs all the rooms
other’s perfectly, making them a strong
We actually got into building houses in a
year was our first customer’s house. It’s
for the homes they build. After the house
team.
weird way; we thought, we could do this
been kind of a snowball effect.”
is built, she also decorates the home in
ourselves. We started with this one and didn’t have many problems with it, so we 28
her farmhouse/coastal style. Roger is Designing homes is Sarah’s dream job.
RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE | April-May 2020
the project manager and focuses on the
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“We actually got into building houses in a weird way; we thought, we could do this ourselves. We started with this one and didn’t have many problems with it, so we started kicking around the idea of doing a spec house. Then it went on from there.” - roger grendahl with grendahl design company
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new neighborhood | stepping stone development STORY BY jennifer kranz | Drone photo by Paul FICARA | story PHOTOS BY GLASSER IMAGES
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RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE | April-May 2020
T
he forward-thinking nature of the Watford City community is what drew developer Paul Ficara
to the city. Paul is a partner in the new Stepping Stone development located just south of 17th Ave NE. The development features meandering roads, 144 acres, and between 400 and 500 lots. Beautiful views from the ridge, walkability, and lots on the Fox Hills Golf Course are features that add to the homey feeling Stepping Stone subdivision will have. Paul wanted to avoid the grid feeling that some developments can have so while a meandering main
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road was not the most cost-effective way
The neighborhood is planned to be a
a bit and Paul sees this as a good thing. “It
to develop the subdivision it maintains
mix of single-family homes, twin homes,
has given everyone a chance to pump the
the beautiful views.
and row homes. Right now, single family
breaks and figure out the best plan for the
Each house is required to have a
homes dominate the landscape with the
future of the city,” he explains.
minimum of four trees, six shrubs, and
“When you’re driving through the
twin home and row home designs on their
community it opens to nice view corridors
way.
and feels homier,” Paul explains. He adds,
front of the house is,” explains Paul.
a lawn. “We want to expedite the look When planning the Stepping Stone
of a more established community verses
development, Paul and his partners
a construction zone,” Paul says of the standards and guidelines.
“We want people to say, ‘I am going to
The subdivision will develop alongside
put a lot of thought into the aesthetics
raise my family here’.” Paul, his wife,
the pace of the housing market in Watford
of the community. A unique aspect of
and children live in the Stepping Stone
City. A whole development completion
the subdivision is the design guidelines
Stepping Stone is a liveable and walkable
development and will continue to call it
date has not been set. “It could be as quick
and standards put in place. “One of the
community with close proximity to area
home long into the future.
as five years and as long as ten,” Paul says.
requirements is that builders put in
schools and restaurants. “This year we’re
Growth in Watford City has slowed down
landscaping all based off how wide the
going to be installing a playground and
AWA R D -W INNING QUA L IT Y. LOC A LLY O W N E D FO R O V E R 3 0 Y E A R S . Second Generation builder with long lasting relationships with local sub contractors
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we’re going to start doing the landscaping and walking trails,” Paul says. With the partners having a background in golf course development Paul knew this was a place to start developing a community. “It felt natural. The city and the golf board were talking about expanding the golf course,” Paul explains, “We knew we were going to get involved in some way, so we thought ‘Why not?’” Residents of Stepping Stone will have access to Fox Hills brand new, championship golf course. Lots are available with course frontage providing perfect spaces for walkout homes. Paul is excited about the future of Stepping Stone and knows he’s doing more than just developing land. “We started from a raw piece of dirt and we’re creating a community, not just another subdivision,” he says smiling. “Fast forward five to ten years down the road I envision a community where a lot of people are raising their families and kids are running around in a nice, safe place.” The builders for Stepping Stone Development are: •
KDR Homes
•
KLT Enterprises
•
Paramount Builders Inc.
•
Premier Homes
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Design and Build from Concept to Completion
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Meet the Builders of stepping stone Paramount Builders Jarred Roloff, Owner | Scott Stoeckel, Owner John Bowman, Project Manager Paramount Builders is expanding to Watford City. They were looking for expansion opportunities outside of the Bismarck area. Their views of Watford City and building very much aligned with the owners of Stepping Stone, making it a great partnership. “In Watford City they have already gone through the cycle of just building to build and now people are expecting, for the price, things to be nicer. That’s where we fit in. We are not going to build an entry level home with ‘builder grade’ materials and structure. We knew we could come into the development, build a nice home and still meet the market. We have gotten in early so now we can talk about the next phases,” explains Jarred, owner of Paramount Builders. “Within the development we will be building single family homes, twin homes and row homes. We have a plethora of plans that we can spin off of. We build both move in ready and custom builds. It just varies on lot sizes. We do, however, want to change up the look of the homes so that they are different, and don’t all look the same. One thing Stepping Stone does is that they approve what we are putting into the development. This makes it so you are not getting the same color siding next to each other. There’s so much we have to look at when planning the homes here in this development,” explains John, project manage for Paramound Builders. Paramount Builders and the owners of Stepping Stone see eye to eye on the fact that “We are in this for the long haul. We didn’t go up to Watford City to build for three years and get out. We are local to the state, western North Dakota. We went up there looking to plant some roots and build team members in that area,” explains Jarred. To learn more about Paramount Builders visit www.paramountbuildersinc.net
Premier Homes Wade Vogel, Owner Ray Morrell, Job Superintendent Jordan Brouwer, Job Superintendent When Wade with Premier Homes recognized the big need for dedicated builders in the Watford City area he decided to take a look at the Stepping Stone development. Come spring, Wade and his team will make the leap up to the Stepping Stone development and start building there. “Stepping Stone is a really nice development with proximity to the golf course and just the location of it. We are going to see how it goes up there, pick out a couple lots and roll with it,” explains Wade, owner of Premier Homes. They plan to build a hand full of houses in the development in 2020. Premeire Homes will fit in well with what the developers of Stepping Stone are looking for in a builder. “We are very cost conscious on what the final price is so when the homeowner walks into one of our Premier Homes homes they are overwhelmed with what they see,” explains Ray, job superintendent for Premier Homes. “We are looking forward to the opportunity to present Premier Homes up in Watford City. We are excited to exceed building code, and bring sound builds for homeowners to the Stepping Stone development,” says Ray. To learn more about Premier Homes visit premierhomesnd.com
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new neighborhood | silver ranch subdivision STORY BY jennifer kranz | Drone Photo by investcore, Inc. | story PHOTOS BY GLASSER IMAGES
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RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE | April-May 2020
G
round has broken, construction is underway, and the first families have moved into the Silver Ranch
subdivision. The sprawling 1,200-acre development is located in northeast Bismarck and is the brainchild of Chad Wachter and Jamie Schmidt of Investcore, Inc along with the Silbernagel family, long-time residents and owners of the Silver Ranch land. This group, assisted by a myriad of experts in their respective fields, has big plans for the development and are looking forward to expanding Bismarck’s footprint with their thoughtfully master planned development. Like all good things the planning of Silver Ranch has taken time. “We started about 5 years ago and it
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was a joint collaboration between the
units, commercial plots, schools, as well
district, and all the city department heads
not going in and putting in 200 to 300 lots
Silbernagel family and our company. They
as parks and trails. It is a project that
including fire. People within our company
at a time. We’re looking at approximately
owned the property and still own a part
has been meticulously planned and will
went out and met with commercial and
100 lots a year and we feel Bismarck can
of it,” Chad says. “The Silbernagel family
roll out over the course of 25 to 30 years.
residential real estate agents and tried to
sustain that.”
has been very active in planning this area.
Identifying what people wanted was on
get a good picture of what they would like
A lot of what we’re seeing is their vision
the forefront of planning.
to see in northeast Bismarck.”
The Silver Ranch subdivision was not without consequence for Chad and
and they’ve had a tremendous amount of input into everything that we’re doing.
“If you’re going to do it right, you need a
After meeting with all key parties, it was
Jamie. In a good faith move to builders,
This project would not be possible without
plan,” Chad says. And the first key to that
clear that a plan with manageable goals
Investcore has exited home building and
the partnership that we have with them,”
plan were the stakeholders.
for everyone was a priority. “We’re going
will focus solely on developing Silver
to take this in controlled phases. We did
Ranch. “At the end of the day, Investcore
“We met with the city of Bismarck and
92 the first phase and we were sold out.
is one of the best developers in Bismarck
The master planned subdivision includes
engineers in addition to our land planner.
We’re doing 67 in the next phase,” Jamie
and that’s what we’re good at. Getting all
2,800 single family homes and multifamily
We met with the school district, the park
explains. “To me that tells you that we’re
the builders to partner with us allowed us
Chad explains.
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RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE | April-May 2020
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to focus even more on the development to give an even better product and a better experience to the builders buying from us,” explains Jamie. The Silver Ranch subdivision lot price point has attracted some of the top home builders in Bismarck. The inventory for these midrange lots and homes can be hard to come by and these builders are filling a need with each Silver Ranch home they complete. Homes are anticipated to be between $390,000 to just under $500,00. To feature the builders and to get to know them better Jamie has started a podcast called Silver Ranch Podcast. In each episode he sits down with a different builder and gets to the heart of why each chose to build homes in Silver Ranch. You can find the podcasts linked on the Silver Ranch Facebook page at @silverranchnd. For Chad and Jamie Silver Ranch is more than just a financial decision. The Bismarck residents are proud of what they are doing for the city. “Jamie and I want to be able to look back at something that we can be very proud of. This is by far the largest thing that we’ve done together.” Chad says. “For Jamie and I we have a sense of pride in this project and I know that that is what drives both of us the most.” The builders for Silver Ranch Subdivision are:
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RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE | April-May 2020
•
Premier Homes
•
JE Homes
•
Boulder Homes
•
Pinnacle Homes and Design
•
Stoneshire Builders
•
Aspire Homes
•
Diversity Homes
•
E Homes, Inc.
•
Apex Builders
•
Prairie Air Homes
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Meet the Builders of silver ranch
Apex Builders Amy Larsen, Owner | Doug Larsen, Owner Doug Eagon, project manager
Aspire Homes Greg Meidinger, Owner Sometimes more does not mean better. Greg Meidinger, owner of Aspire
Over the past fifteen years, Amy and Doug Larsen worked on investing
Homes, typically builds 5-8 homes a year and he does that on purpose. “I try to
commercially and residentially. In 2012, they decided to dive into the building side
take a different approach, only doing 5 to 7 or 8 homes a year. I’m very hands-on
and founded Apex Builders. “It’s all about the numbers, we know numbers and
and always accessible to the homeowner. I personally spend quite a bit of time
can help our clients work through the budget stages and show them where to cut
on the job sites, not necessarily doing the trade work, but coordinating with
costs and get them the most out of their specific budget,” says Doug Larsen. Apex
contractors, subs, making sure everything is getting done to the homeowner’s
Builders hones in on customizing a home within your personal budget making it
expectations. The reason I do a smaller number of homes is that I like to ensure
possible to get your dream home without the million dollar price tag. Apex Builders
that they’re getting what they want, what they signed up for in the contract. I
average twelve homes a year and pride themselves on living, working, and playing
always think building a new home is an exciting thing, you’re doing it because
locally just like you.
usually you want something a little bit nicer or a little bit newer so that’s where the name came from, you’re aspiring to a better part of your life. I guess that’s
To learn more about Apex Builders visit apexbuildersnd.com and @apexbuildersnd
the biggest thing, just being accessible, being there for the homeowner and
on Facebook.
keeping an eye on the process,” says Greg. To learn more about Aspire Homes visit daretoaspirend.com and @daretoaspirend on Facebook.
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RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE | April-May 2020
JE Homes’ philosophy is to build homes with a team approach, addressing the client’s wants and needs. Placing emphasis and achieving practical results in a timely and skillful manner at an affordable price.
701.595.2758
JEhomesnd.com
 �� � ��
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Meet the Builders of silver ranch
Boulder Homes Joe Hillerson, Owner
Diversity Homes Jason Frank, Owner
Since 2005, Joe Hillerson has been a realtor and in 2011 he took the leap into
Diversity Homes is a household name when it comes to home builders in Bismarck/ Mandan. Jason Frank, owner of Diversity Homes, started the company over eleven years ago, but has been in the industry for over 25 years. “I run my business a little different, I have not only been a general contractor, but I’ve owned my own framing company so I‘ve done the framing, I’ve done the roofing, I’ve done the siding, so it’s really hard for a sub-contractor to push me around because I have done it all before,” says Jason Frank. Diversity Homes builds anywhere from 35 to 55 homes a year. “What makes us a little different is the budget means a lot to us. 90% of our customers, when we give them a price, that’s what the price is at closing. Because we do so many homes, if you come to me and want a home built, I can be within 5 to 10 thousand dollars of budget by just guessing. We’re up front and honest with the customer. The other thing that really sets us apart is our warranty department. I firmly believe that when it comes to building a home, I write on paper that I give you a year, but I’ve gone back to homes 5 years later. I go the extra mile just to make sure that’s taken care of because I believe that my sub-contractors should stand behind their work too,” says Jason Frank.
home building and started Boulder Homes. Since Joe comes from the world of realty, he can offer advice when it comes to the home purchasing process and resale value when building a home. “The most unique part of Boulder Homes is probably me and my expertise in the real estate market, as a realtor, but also a practicing realtor on top of that. Boulder Homes is also a small company, so when you build with us, you’re working directly with me. When it comes to building a home the home buyer can spend their money on whatever they would like, but if they’re thinking about re-selling, if they’re only going to be there for a few years, I can offer some perspective on where to put or cut the money in order to get a better return,” says Joe. To learn more about Boulder Homes visit boulderhomesnd.com and @boulderhomes on Facebook.
To learn more about Diversity Homes visit diversityhomesnd.com and 48
RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE | April-May 2020
@diversityhomes on Facebook.
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49
Meet the Builders of silver ranch
E 3 Homes, Inc. Heather Welle, Owner | Travis Welle, Owner
JE Homes Jeran Thomson, Owner
Meet Heather and Travis Welle, a dynamic duo when it comes to home building. The husband and wife team of E Homes, Inc. have taken the Bismarck area by storm over the past six years.
Established in 2015, JE Homes is a family run residential home builder in the community. Jeran and his team build about 20 homes a year. “We go for a certain “feel” of the home which translates to a new homeowner well. We work great with budgets while still creating a luxury look for the client. The budget becomes very personalized with each one of our clients,” explains Jeran.
“We do in-house 3D architecture and plans and can make our clients’ Pinterest dreams come to life. Travis and I do all the plans for our clients. It’s important when you build the home to make sure the plan is solid and fits the client’s budget,” says Heather. “It’s our architecture capabilities that we offer that makes us unique. We’re able to manage the client’s expectations and desires through the bid phase as well as the design phase. We spend a lot more time with our client’s up front before the contract is signed so that our clients can make revisions in not only the budget, but the architecture. We enjoy sitting down and spending that quality time with our clients in order to ensure that there are no surprises. Education is key and we pride ourselves on educating our clients from the very start,” says Travis. To learn more about E Homes, Inc. visit ehomesnd.com and @Ehomes on Facebook.
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RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE | April-May 2020
JE Homes focuses on craftsmanship, especially when it comes to choosing insulation, airflow, materials, and window placement to provide the homeowner long term savings and low maintenance for many years to come. Jeran and his team are really eager to be a part of Silver Ranch since it is such a new development. “It is a large, wide open space that gives that out of town feel but you are so close to the center of town. I think northeast Bismarck needed to be opened up and this does that for Bismarck.” Says Jeran. To learn more about JE Homes visit jehomesnd.com and @jehomes on Facebook.
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51
Meet the Builders of silver ranch
Pinnacle Homes and Design Andrew Meldahl, Owner
Premier Homes Wade Vogel, Owner
Pinnacle Homes and Design is much more than a company to just build your
The name says it all, Premier Homes. Whether you are building a $300,000 home
home. With over nine years of experience, Andrew Meldahl calls himself a
or a two-million-dollar home, you are getting a premier product. The owner of
design builder and with that anything is possible. “We’re a design builder, so
Premier Homes, Wade Vogel, prides himself on the personal experience he provides
we don’t say no to anything. We do anything from contemporary to farmhouse
for each and every customer. “We’re small enough that we are very intimate with
traditional. We do it all and are very hands-on when designing our homes
the buyer. We’re at the job site every day. We’re always able to be reached. Our
from the blueprint to the build. We help our clients design the floor plan, that’s
customers are not just a number in a system, when they call us, we pick up the
usually the first step, and then when we get that established we’re with them
phone. I think that makes us unique. We also are proud of the fact that we can build
until we’re putting art on the walls, so we design our houses around decor or
anything. We will build starter homes and sometimes those people come back and
style and we help them with all that,” says Andrew. From floor to furniture,
they’ll want to move up a little bit. We’ll also build bigger custom homes. We do
Pinnacle Homes and Design is with you every step of the way.
a lot of entry level, we do a lot of twin homes, we do remodels, we do whatever somebody wants. We don’t back ourselves into a corner and only build one thing.
To learn more about Pinnacle Homes and Design visit pinnaclehomesnd.com
We’ll do whatever somebody dreams,” says Wade.
and @pinnaclehomesnd on Facebook. To learn more about Premier Homes visit premierhomesnd.com and @premierhomesnd on Facebook.
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RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE | April-May 2020
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Meet the Builders
Stoneshire Builders Brian Eiseman, Owner In 2011, Stoneshire Builders entered the scene, building eight homes a year on average. Brian Eiseman, owner of Stoneshire Builders, has a unique background when it comes to the homebuilding process. As an engineer, Brian looks at things from an infrastructure standpoint and loves to push the limits. “I would say we tend to try to pull in new techniques, innovations, technology into our product. We embrace change and progress. Some examples are smart products like smart lighting and that type of technology, appliances, how we frame, insulation, those things that are behind the walls that no one sees, and
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then the gadgets that people do see,” says Brian Eisman. To learn more about Stoneshire Builders visit stoneshirebuilders.com and @stoneshirebuilders on Facebook.
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54
RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE | April-May 2020
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55
L ET ’S TALK DEV E L O P I N G
The Silver Ranch Podcast
In the following months River + Ranch will
they are planning to build in the subdivision
be bringing you a brand-new series that
and so much more about why each builder
will highlight, via podcast, the progress of
is excited about the development.
a prime development in the central and western part of North Dakota, Bismarck’s
Check back each month to stay up to
Silver Ranch subdivision.
date on the progress of this innovative development that is laying out the future of
The Silver Ranch podcasts will provide
our capitol city.
a behind the scenes look at the people who are making Silver Ranch a reality.
Tune in to the Silver Ranch Podcast to
With multiple builders buying up lots and
learn more about the process and hear
building homes, Silver Ranch Subdivision
from everyone involved in making this
is well on its way to expanding Bismarck’s
development a reality from our mayor to a
footprint to the north east.
mortgage broker and everyone in between.
Join host Jamie Schmidt as he visits with the
Follow the progress of Silver Ranch
master planned development’s featured
by
builders. Find out what attracted each
@silverranchnd on Facebook.
builder to Silver Ranch, what kind of homes
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RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE | April-May 2020
listening
to
the
podcasts
at
PODCAST
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RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE | April-May 2020
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59
A GUIDE TO CHOOSING YOUR BUILDER
STORY: JEREMY KUKOWSKI, CREATIVE TOUCH HOMES PHOTO: GLASSER IMAGES
Building a custom home can be a dream
and on social media, you should be able to
come true. That dream involves not
narrow the search to a few builders who
only wood, stone, and concrete, but also
match your needs and priorities.
intangible qualities. A dream home adds
you are considering. The following areas of building should be considered and prioritized when choosing
the passion, lifestyle, and personalities of its
Once you narrow it down to a few builders,
your builder:
homeowners. The first major decision, and
it is time to schedule meetings with them to
often an overwhelming one to make, is‌.
discuss their building process and to ask the
D e s i gn - Design is certainly an important
Which builder should we hire?
questions outlined below.
element of home building, but a quality builder should be able to build any design
Sit down meetings with builders and calling
After meeting with potential builders, and
you desire. If you choose your builder solely
references is very time consuming, so you
acquiring their reference list, it’s time to
because of the design elements you see
should narrow the field down to a handful
start calling their past clients. This step can
them build, you could potentially be setting
of potential builders. By asking around,
be time consuming, but it is crucial to learn
yourself up for a very disappointing building
visiting Parade homes, searching online
everything you can about the builders that
experience. When working with an architect
or interior designer, it is critical to choose a builder who will work well with them, and knows that their role is to manage and build the home someone else is designing.
P r i c e - Obviously, nobody wants to spend more than they have to. The truth is that if you are comparing comparable builders, and they price the home with equal finishes,
you will likely see very little difference
building business? What did you do
contracts,
between the two. The hard part here is to
before you were a builder?
schedules, warranty?
schedules,
selection
was going into closing, or was there a
compare what finishes and products are
2. How does your design process work?
being provided. It’s pretty common for some
Are we limited to your plans, or will
The following questions are great questions
builders to use low allowance amounts on
you design a truly custom home?
to ask past clients.
products just to keep the overall price down.
3. How is your specification contract
Some builders cut corners to keep cost
structured with fixed price items and
experience
down. If you ask past clients the questions
allowances?
recommend using your builder?
big, last-minute surprise?
1. How
was
the
overall
and
building
would
you
4. How do you keep us informed on our
2. Was your home a truly custom home
builder used low allowance amounts. You
budget & change orders? Do we see an
where options were limitless, or were
really need to prioritize the importance of
accurate updated budget so we know
you limited to their plans and/or
cost vs. quality and building experience
where we are on closing day?
selection options?
5. How do you manage our selections to ensure that what we have chosen gets
Q ual it y - The longevity of your home
installed for the price quoted?
11. How accurate was their schedule start to finish?
outlined, you will get a good feel if their
before making your decision.
you have a good idea where your price
3. If you were to build again, would you
12. Did they keep you well informed on selection deadlines, or was it last minute chaos when they needed a decision? 13. Was their selection process smooth and organized? 14. How well did they handle and resolve problems that arose?
use the same builder? 4. Are you pleased with the overall
The process of building a custom home can
depends on the experience and quality of
6. How do you manage your project
your chosen builder. By asking questions,
scheduling, and how do you keep
5. Are you pleased with the overall
of years, so selecting the right builder is
you will find the answers you are looking for.
us informed of our schedule? How
design and functionality of your
key. Choosing the right builder will be
accurate is your schedule from start
home?
the difference between looking back on
M anagem ent - This is the most overlooked
to finish?
area of building when choosing a builder,
7. How do you provide our selection
yet one of the most talked about after the
schedule so we know when selections
build is complete. Bad building experiences
need to be made?
are a result of poor management. Often, overall quality is dictated by management.
8. What can you tell us about your quality and quality control?
Subcontractors and suppliers need to be led
9. Please explain your warranty policy
by an organized general contractor in order
and how you manage warranty
to reach their full potential.
claims?
quality of your home?
6. How was their overall management and organization?
take anywhere from 6 months to a couple
your project and saying, “We love our new home; we had an enjoyable and stress-free
7. How was the jobsite cleanliness? Did
building experience,” vs. saying, “We didn’t
it appear that they took pride in what
exactly get the home we wanted,” and/or,
they do, and took care to protect your
“We had an unorganized, stressful building
home during construction?
experience.” Now is the time for you to
8. How did you like the sub-contractors and suppliers used?
do your homework and choose the right builder for your dream home.
9. Did the sub-contractors and suppliers
10. What is your strongest area of being a
always seem to be well informed
For more information on Creative Touch
The following questions are great questions
builder? What is your weakest area of
about what was going on and what
Homes and our past projects, please visit our
to ask any potential builder at a sit-down
being a builder?
was supposed to be installed? Or was
website at CreativeTouchHomesND.com
meeting:
11. Can you send us your references of past clients and sub/supplier list?
1. How long have you been in the
12. Can you show us examples of
it always last minute chaos? 10. How well did they keep you informed on budget up until closing day? Did
For a sit-down meeting with Jeremy to discuss building your next home, call 701-214-8952. w w w . r i ver a n dr a nch m aga z i n e . com
61
welcome to
FORT ABRAHAM
Park Thing
LINCOLN story: Matt Schanandore | photos: Fort Abraham Lincoln
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is one of 15 unique state parks and recreation destinations across North Dakota. In 1907, Theodore Roosevelt transferred land held by the federal government to the state of North Dakota to establish the state’s first state park. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park was a little known track of land south of Mandan, once the ancestral home lands of the Mandan Indians, and then the regimental headquarters of the U.S. 7th Cavalry. From that start in 1907, it took over two decades for the Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park we know today, to start to take shape. This change would be part of the vision of another Roosevelt.
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) part of FDR’s “New Deal” was a work relief program that starting in 1933. The CCC aimed to provide jobs for young men and to relieve families suffering from the Great Depression. CCC camps formed across the nation and slowly changed the face of national and state parks. At Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, the CCC began to create the essence to the state park we have today. Building roads, campgrounds and historic structures, the CCC left their mark on Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park. The cornerstone for the State Park Visitor Center was laid in 1936 and is a stoic showcase of the traditional “park” architecture of the Civilian Conservation Corps. The park Visitor Center features a massive timber structure with enormous stone facades cut from glacial rocks. The Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Museum/Visitor Center has played many roles over its 84 year life. From home to the park caretaker during the 1940’s and 50’s to the State Parks and Recreation department headquarters during the 1960’s and 70’s. Today, it remains the focal point of the state park and tells the historic story of the Mandan people that lived at the On-a-Slant Village, and Old Fort Abraham Lincoln. More importantly it’s a monument of the resilience that those young men had to work tirelessly day
after day solely to support their families during one the toughest times in American history. Little did they know, the impact their work and dedication would have on future generations of North Dakotans. With spring in our midst, the 12-Months, 12-Hikes challenge continues into April. By this time of the year we are all starting to get a little stir crazy and that’s why you can let off a little crazy at the “Crazy Fool’s Hike” on April 5th. Outside of the Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, if you desire a little sugar, you can plan a trip to Fort Stevenson State Park in Garrison for Maple Sugaring Day on April 15th In May we begin our season of welcoming our guests to visit and experience all that Fort Abraham Lincoln has to offer. On May 1st, visitor services begin with tours of the Custer House and the opportunity to shop our many gift items at the Commissary Store perfect for Mother’s Day. You may even want to make a visit to our wonderful CCC Park Visitor Center.
EVENTS April 5th – Crazy Fools Hike April 11th – Maple Sugaring Day (Fort Stevenson State Park) May 10th – Mother’s Day Hike May 23rd – Cardio & Coffee Trail Run May 25th – Memorial Day Walk For more details please visit the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Dept. website at www.parkrec.nd.gov or follow Fort Abraham Lincoln State park on Facebook and Instagram @FortLincoln.
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is always open for outdoor recreation opportunities year around. The state park is great for bike riding, trail running or hiking, and capturing beautiful sunrises and sunsets. I hope to see you out and exploring Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park this spring.
w w w . r i ver a n dr a nch m aga z i n e . com
63
CORY'S CONCRETE CORNER SPONSORED BY MIDWEST SEAL COMPANY BY: CORY BIRRENKOTT, PROJECT MANAGER/ FIELD SUPERINTENDENT, DAKOTA RM CONSTRUCTION PHOTO: GLASSER IMAGES
Happy Spring everyone, and welcome
before undertaking a concrete project at
You DEFINITELY want to get on the
contractor that you pick, and remember
back to another installment of Cory’s
your home.
contractor’s schedule now, because most
that if it sounds too good to be true than
good concrete contractors are booked up
it probably is.
Concrete Corner. With the nicer weather comes that best part of the year: Concrete
Now that spring weather is upon us, you
Season!
might be thinking about replacing that
for months in advance. There are many great quality concrete
old and cracked up driveway, or maybe
If you want to enjoy that new concrete
contractors in the Bismarck-Mandan area,
In this issue, I’m actually going to double
adding that nice patio in the back so you
this year, don’t wait! Get several estimates
and sadly there are also plenty who don’t
back a little bit to an article I had written
can relax outdoors with the family. Here
from reputable contractors, and always
do very high quality work as well. Make
last year, where I stressed the importance
are a couple things that I would like you
remember that the lowest estimate doesn’t
sure that you get a quote in writing that
of picking a good contractor, and some
to know:
always mean the best quality work. Make
specifies everything from the thickness
sure that you do your research on the
of the concrete, fill material to be placed
of the questions you might want to ask
64
RIVER + RANCH MAGAZINE | April-May 2020
MIDWEST SEAL COMPANY
underneath, and any additives to the
appropriate, and the different types of
concrete such as rebar or fibermesh.
decorative finishes and colors that you can do.
Make sure you discuss slope and water runoff with them, as that is one of the
Don’t forget that your new concrete is not
biggest issues that cause deterioration and
maintenance free, and will require you to
other issues.
caulk all your joints, against structures, and to seal the surface as well to protect
When pouring concrete outdoors, always
your investment for years to come.
EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR CONCRETE WITH PROFESSIONAL CONCRETE SEALING
specify at least a 4,000psi mix, for best strength and protection from salts and deicers.
Garage & Shop Floors
Sidewalks
Driveways
Stamped Patio’s
Have the discussion with your contractor regarding the type of finish that you are looking for, and also don’t be afraid to explore decorative concrete. Your contractor should be able to walk you
REQUEST A FREE QUOTE
701-333-8998 | WWW.MIDWESTSEAL.COM
through the areas where decorative is w w w . r i ver a n dr a nch m aga z i n e . com
65
DRIVE Service | Style | Safety
The luxury experience for the everyday DRIVE.
701.989.7961 drivebisman.com booking@drivebisman.com
Airport one way $35 round trip $60
Night Out Starting at $20
Bismarck’s Newest Development C h o o s e Y o u r l o t. C h o o s e Y o u r B u i l d e r .
Contact Jamie Schmidt at 701-319-6000
@silverranchnd
featured builders
silverranchnd.com