block 9
DIGS DOWN TO BUILD UP
In November 1930, in the midst of an economic depression, George M. Black was so confident in the future of Fargo, North Dakota, that he planned, financed, and built the tallest building in the state at the time. As The Forum reported then, hundreds of community members gathered to watch the cornerstone be laid at 118 Broadway, for the eight-story tower of commerce. For decades, retailers and office dwellers thrived in the building, which was referred to as a masterpiece of modern architecture. BY Mike Allmendinger President, Kilbourne Group PHOTOS COURTESY OF Dan Francis and Kilbourne Group
44 | OCTOBER 2018 | FARGOMONTHLY.COM
On September 12, 2018, construction kicked-off on the 18-story mixed-use Block 9 tower at the corner of Second Avenue North and Broadway in downtown Fargo. The project comes with a central community plaza; a place where all are invited to spend time, relax, and enjoy the city.
Now, 88 years after the construction of the Black Building, hundreds of people again gathered at the Block 9 site to celebrate a building milestone in vibrant downtown Fargo. A party was held in the plaza, with the goal of giving people the experience of what the plaza will hold when it’s fully open for public use in the fall of 2020:
