NDSU students create vision of a new downtown West Fargo

By Melissa Van Der Stad | The Focus

WEST FARGO — As West Fargo continues its expansive growth within the metro area, city leaders have taken the first steps to create a master plan for a vibrant downtown area, an idea a group of architecture students at North Dakota State University drew inspiration from. Over the last semester, a class of fourth-year students developed their shared vision for the future of West Fargo’s downtown, presenting a video-rendering chock full of green spaces, local art and family-friendly amenities at West Fargo’s City Hall to an audience full of family, friends and city officials on Friday, May 5.

“As West Fargo grows, I think it needs a heart,” said Cole Jarman, a member of the student team that included: Zach Crawford, Jacob Meidinger, Hunter Haider, Jeremy Rivard, Kamryn Brecht, Kaitlyn Bridgeman,

Isabella Nyseth, Taylor Amble, Derek Freborg, Jami Ewart, Hailey Macheledt, Joseph Seelhammer, Abby Wilson, Mariah Zeien and Sydney Seamands.

In an effort to create a destination downtown with a distinctive West Fargo feel, students prioritized green spaces for visitors to enjoy, vibrant alleyways filled with businesses and a fun nightlife atmosphere with plenty of bars, food trucks and lighting design that promotes safety.

Their main focus throughout the design process was to create an identifiable downtown destination that is uniquely West Fargo, project member Sydney Seamands said.

NDSU STUDENTS: Page 5

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