FARGO (KFGO) - It's been two years since Fargo completed a feasibility study on the future of the Civic Center. The report found renovation of the nearly 60 year-old arena for a multi-use performance hall would be more costly than building new.
The idea was then on the low priority list for city commissioners because of other projects, but the concensus seemed to favor a new building. City leaders says it's now time to start planning for the project.
Commissioner Dave Piepkorn says the study estimated the cost at $50 million. He thinks it could be done for less and calls the location a "sweet spot" that would be an economic boom for downtown and the region. He says the city has a vision for the building and the next step is determining the cost and budget. Piepkorn says a professional fundraiser would be hired to seek private donations. A dedicated tax, possibly on hotels and rental cars, could be part of the financing mix.
City Administrator Bruce Grubb expects commissioners will revisit the proposal within the next couple of months as the new city hall is completed and the old city hall is demolished. Both are adjacent to the civic center. The new city hall is expected to be ready next spring.