FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Plans for the 532 Hill Avenue business incubator are moving forward, with construction tentatively set to begin in 2025. The Red River Regional Council (RRRC) has received approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration to use a design/build approach for the project. Design/build enables selecting one team for both design and construction simultaneously at the beginning of the project.

The project was designed and solicited construction bids twice in 2023 without success.

“We believe this approach will help us work more efficiently, align the project team’s goals, and stay on budget,” said Dawn Mandt, RRRC Executive Director. “We’re also hopeful this process will enable local contractors to get involved.”

After the holidays, the RRRC will issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to find a design/build team. Teams will have three weeks to respond, after which qualified groups will be interviewed and evaluated. The chosen team will work on transforming the 10,000-square-foot vacant building at 532 Hill Avenue into a hub for businesses and the community. Planned renovations include a shared-use kitchen, conference rooms, small retail spaces, coworking areas, a gathering space, and offices.

“We are grateful for the patience of our funding partners as we’ve continued to identify a path forward for this project,” said Mandt.  “We are hopeful that many recent large-scale federally funded construction projects are nearing completion and the pipeline is less crowded today.”

Current funding partners for this project include the EDA, RRRC, Walsh County Job Development Authority, Marvin, City of Grafton, Polar Communications, and the U.S. Bank Foundation.

The RRRC has also welcomed Brenda Baumann as a project manager. Brenda, originally from Grafton, recently launched Envision Consulting and Planning in Warroad, MN. She brings valuable experience from her previous role as Executive Director of The Hub, a coworking and entrepreneurship incubator in Warroad.

“I’m excited to partner with the regional council and build upon their vision to create a space to serve the area innovators and future start-ups.  I’ve seen first-hand how an incubator, like 523 Hill Avenue becomes a catalyst for enriching communities.” said Baumann.   

As one example, the direct impacts of similar efforts in Warroad resulted in forty-three new client registrations in partnership with the Small Business Development center within the first five years.

In addition to selecting a design/build team and renovating the building, the RRRC will be reviewing the proposed operational plan that was prepared in 2022. This will include research, potential client gatherings to assist in co-creating the programming, solidify partnerships with resource providers, naming and branding the facility.  Throughout this entire project process, there will be community education and public project updates provided.

“Small towns in our region are brimming with renewed energy, and we’re thrilled to support that through the incubator and enabling additional sites in the region,” said Amy Suda, RRRC President and Walsh County Commissioner. “With Brenda’s proven success in Warroad, we’re confident this project will help inspire new businesses, restaurants, and more.”

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The Red River Regional Council (RRRC) is a public organization that supports economic development, community planning, and regional collaboration in northeastern North Dakota. It works with local governments, businesses, and community groups to enhance the quality of life and economic opportunities in the region.

Their efforts often include securing funding for projects, helping communities plan for growth, and supporting initiatives like business incubators, housing development, and infrastructure improvements. The RRRC serves as a resource to guide and implement projects that benefit the region's residents and businesses.

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