KNUTSON FAMILY READY TO BREATHE LIFE INTO THE BISMARCK DEPOT

By Cathryn Sprynczynatyk

When Cam Knutson was growing up in BismarckMandan, he created fond memories at the Bismarck Rail Depot, which housed Fiesta Villa restaurant at that time.

“It was this hub of gathering,” said Knutson, Owner of Knutson Companies. “When I moved back to Bismarck in 2018, seeing that building dark and empty and not being utilized I kept thinking, ‘Somebody’s got to do something.’”

Cam Knutson is that somebody.

In 2022, Knutson purchased the Depot with his father, real estate developer Ron Knutson. Cam Knutson’s background in historic renovations means he went into the real estate deal with eyes open.

“Historic renovations are really, really difficult,” Knutson said. “You don’t know what you’re going to find in a building that is 100-plus years old. I came in with some hesitation, but we need to have it activated again, especially where it is located. It’s right in the center of our community.”

The railroad has been central to the founding and development of Bismarck, and the Depot is a reflection of that. The building was designed by renowned architect Cass Gilbert, designer of the U.S. Supreme Court building and multiple state Capitols. Designed in the Mission

Minnesota State Capitol.

Completed in 1901, the Northern Pacific Railway Depot served passengers until Amtrak ended passenger train service to Bismarck in 1979. In 1983, the Depot reopened to the public with Fiesta Villa Mexican restaurant. Fiesta Villa fed the community for more than 30 years until 2016. It was followed by Edwinton Brewing, and the building has been empty since 2019.

“This property was part of the center of commerce for our community in those early days,” Knutson said.

Knutson plans for all new HVAC and electrical as well as major remodels to the windows and roof. The first step in spring construction will be extensive repair to the historic clay tiles. Clay tiles are not common in North Dakota’s climate — for good reason.

“They are very delicate,” Knutson said. “Most normal roofs you can walk on to do the repair work. It’s a unique material when done right, and it lasts a super long time.”

Of all the possibilities for the interior space, Knutson knows one thing for sure — there will be a restaurant. He has heard requests from the public over and over again.

“The restaurant just has to happen,” Knutson said. “It’s such a great space.”

Knutson plans a restaurant on the west side of the building, which has a full kitchen and a cooler. The former Fiesta Villa space on the east side is yet-to-be determined. Knutson said they will be looking at different concepts later this year.

“We just finished investigative sand blasting of those walls (on the east side),” Knutson said. “You won’t see a building like this built again with the work that went into it. We want to bring back that beautiful natural structure that exists in those walls.”

The second floor has been gutted. Knutson is redesigning the office suites for a better flow. The parking lot is in “total disrepair.”

“If we’re going to rip the parking lot up and redo it — let’s redesign the flow of it,” Knutson said. “Maybe we can flip a switch and go from parking certain days to a Saturday morning farmer’s market. It’s a really large canvas to work with.”

Knutson said the outdoor spaces have even more possibilities than the building itself.

“You could have outdoor concerts — there is plenty of room to do whatever you can envision,” Knutson said. “What I’m try to do is create the best canvas possible.”

Work will start this spring, and it will likely take a full year before the doors can open to the public.

“Looking at this building — especially at night when it was dark and empty — what a bummer to see it in that condition,” Knutson said. “With experience in historic redevelopment, it was a call-to-action for me that this was a chance to step up and do something for the community... We’re going to get this thing back alive and active and serving the community for the next 50 years.”

Strategic Expertise

With over a decade of experience focused exclusively on real estate, Justin is a trusted advisor whose clients rely on him in their commercial and residential real estate transactions.

Justin G. Hughes jhughes@fredlaw.com

701.221.8728 fredlaw.com/bismarck

Proud to be part of the Bismarck community for 15 years.

Barnhart Crane

Tell us about yourself and your role within your business.

A: I have been the Branch Manager at Barnhart Crane, formerly Viant Crane, since March of 2016. I am a Southeast Texas native and have been a resident of North Dakota since 2011. I met my wife, a Dodge, North Dakota native, in 2012. I have been in the crane and rigging industry for over 20 years.

Member Since 2016

Briefly tell us the history behind Viant Crane/Barnhart Crane and how you got started.

A: Viant Crane was founded in Superior, Wisconsin in 2011 as a subsidiary of Reuben Johnson and Son. The Mandan, ND branch opened in 2015. While my initial interest in Viant was for an open crane operator’s position, I ended up being hired as branch manager due to my previous management and sales experience in the crane industry in March 2016.

In January 2020, Viant Crane was acquired by Barnhart Crane and Rigging out of Memphis, TN. We kept the Viant name so the transition would be smoother for us and our customers. By July 2023, however, we will be fully rebranded to Barnhart Crane and Rigging.

How has the growth of Bismarck-Mandan impacted Viant Crane?

A: As the industrial and commercial markets have grown in our region, so has Viant Crane. We have doubled our office size and full-time personnel since 2016 while increasing our crane fleet and capabilities. When we first opened, we were limited to a 275-ton all terrain crane and a 330-ton crawler crane. As we grew, we added a 550-ton all terrain truck crane and a 660-ton crawler crane along with additional units for our bare rental crane fleet up to 100 tons in capacity.

What trends are taking place in your industry?

A: The continued growth of the local refineries and power plants has resulted in a steady flow of job opportunities and reliable customers for Viant Crane. We have started to focus our resources on renewables as well. The recent additions of the 550-ton all terrain truck crane and 660-ton crawler crane give us the needed capabilities to assist in the wind tower maintenance work in the region.

Have there been any monumental changes within your industry that you’ve had to deal with?

A: Like a lot of other industries, our workforce has been limited due to COVID and finding and keeping talent is a constant struggle. Despite the current obstacles, we have been able to sustain constant growth in the Bismarck area.

What does the future Barnhart Crane look like and the industry as a whole look like to you?

A: We hope to maintain our current relationships and footprint in the refineries and power plants in the area and become a major provider of services to the region’s wind maintenance and carbon capture markets.

Viant Crane/Barnhart Crane became a Chamber EDC member in 2016, why do you continue to renew?

A: The Bismarck Mandan Chamber is a fantastic way to network with other businesses and industries in our community. The Chamber is constantly advocating for the development of local business and the interests of our community.

What should other Chamber EDC members know about Barnhart Crane that may assist them?

A: Barnhart's Mandan Facility provides a wide variety of lifting and transportation services, including crane service, heavy lift cranes, innovative rigging solutions, Industrial machinery moving and transportation solutions.

As Viant, we established a local presence with community ties, relationships, and knowledge of the area. As a Barnhart branch, we have access to a nationwide network of branches across the U,S. If we don’t have the resources locally to do the job, we can rely on our branch network to get any job done.

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