blachowitzer, Author at Roers

Roers Hires New Director of Business Development

FARGO – Roers is proud to announce and welcome Shawn Kessel as the Director of Business Development. Kessel will oversee the commercial leasing process and leverage his extensive experience and professional relationships to identify development opportunities throughout the region. He will also collaborate with the Roers team to develop and execute the business plan for the Center of Innovation project in Fargo, North Dakota.

Kessel brings extensive experience to Roers, years of leadership and impactful initiatives in North Dakota. Prior to joining Roers, Kessel served as the Chief Operating Officer/Deputy Commissioner for the North Dakota – Department of Commerce for six years where he led numerous initiatives for the state including the Main Street Initiative community development program. He also served as the City Administrator in Dickinson and Wahpeton, North Dakota further expanding his experience of local economic development.

Kessel received his Bachelor of Social Work from Minnesota State University – Moorhead, Moorhead, Minnesota, and his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Mary, Fargo, North Dakota. He has been actively involved in several community and economic development organizations including North Dakota Economic Development Foundation, North Dakota League of Cities, Western Dakota Energy Association and the North Dakota Rural Development Council.

Roers is a Fargo-based development company specializing in Development, Construction Property Management and Commercial Real Estate. Roers has a proven track record for building success in the communities they serve. Visit www.roers.com for insight on the company’s services, projects and community involvement.

A Look Into Construction This Month

2024 has been a busy year of construction projects for our team across North Dakota. With so many projects having wrapped up or are still well underway, we thought it would be best to give you an update from each area of the state.

Lashkowitz Riverfront - Fargo, ND - Under Construction

The Lashkowitz Riverfront Project, located on the Red River near Fargo’s downtown district, kicked off construction in July of 2024. We began excavation of the new building footprint only to find a substantial amount of unsuitable material and contaminated soils. The excavation, removal, and disposal of these materials was a long grueling process. New regulations required us to dispose of the material at pre-approved sites or designated landfill locations. With that behind us, we were able to erect 95% of the precast for the main level. We plan to have any remaining backfill and precast completed shortly after the new year, with expectations of prefabricated walls being erected late January / early February. Working straight through the winter months, Roers will utilize our own carpentry/framing crews to help erect the 4 stories of prefabricated wall panels and engineered trusses which sit on top of the main level of precast. With limited space onsite, communication and coordination will be crucial for deliveries and maintaining project schedule. Working as effectively and efficiently as possible, we plan to complete this project in Early 2026, which will provide more affordable housing for the downtown Fargo area.

The Dakota College at Bottineau – Minot CTE Center in Minot, ND involved the comprehensive remodeling of an approximately 18,000 square foot building, originally constructed in the mid-1900s. This significant renovation included extensive interior demolition and the creating of a state-of-the-art facility tailored primarily for the college’s dental assistant and dental hygienist programs. The newly renovated facility features a dental clinic, imaging, biometrics lab, locker room, conference room, classrooms, and staff offices, with additional shell space designated for future education programs.

Roers took the lead in directing the construction process as the Construction Manager as Agent, overseeing the general contractor as well as electrical and mechanical contractors. Roers also managed the projects budget and schedule, while ensuring clear and direct communication regarding the projects progress to Dakota College at Bottineau. This collaboration resulted in a state-of-the-art education facility, helping Dakota College at Bottineau to enhance the training and skills of future dental professionals throughout the region.

Dakota College at Bottineau - Minot, ND - Completed

Century View Apartments - Bismarck, ND - Completed

The Century View Apartments in Bismarck, ND consists of 40 units of multifamily housing. Of the total 40 units, 32 are affordable and rented to those earning 60% or less of the area median income, and the remaining 8 units are market-rate and not subject to any income or rent restrictions. The property consists of 3 two-story apartment buildings and an ancillary community building with offices and a community room with a kitchen. Construction is wood-frame, slab-on-grade construction. Century View Apartments contains 8 one-bedroom units, 24 two-bedroom units, and 8 three-bedroom units. The property is general occupancy and be rented to qualifying families and individuals.

Roers was the General Construction contractor of a new apartment community in Bismarck, North Dakota. The project consists of three apartment buildings, two with 16 units and one with 8 units, plus a community building featuring amenities.

This project was completed well ahead of schedule with the help of a determined team, great weather and the best subcontractors and vendors. Congrats to all involved.

The North Dakota National Guard Readiness Center located in Dickinson, ND is a large project Roers has been working on over the last couple of years.

The majority of all the exterior construction items have been completed include parking lots, sidewalks, retaining wall, fencing and exterior lighting. The building is now enclosed with the windows, and we are working on getting most of the exterior doors in place and installed before year end.

Interior finishes like painting is at about 90% complete and we will be getting started on other interior finishes, like tile work, flooring, casework and ceilings after the new year.

Our goal is to have most of the interior work completed by the end of March so we can get started on the two-month testing and commissioning process.

Completion for this project is scheduled for June 20^th, 2025.

NDNG Readiness Center - Dickinson, ND - Under Construction

Follow along on our social media and website for more upcoming project updates!

November: Long Term Care Awareness Month

Long-Term Care Awareness Month is observed in November every year. This month-long observance highlights the long-term care needs of men and women over the age of 65, and how they should be assisted in their daily lives. This includes feeding them, bathing them, and assisting them in their daily routine. Above all, it’s also about displaying compassion and making them feel that they’re not alone or neglected. This month is dedicated to those senior adults who do not have access to long-term care because everyone deserves assistance until their final days.

The Importance of Long-Term Care:

Ensuring Quality of Life: Long-term care is not just about addressing medical needs; it’s about preserving the quality of life for those who may need assistance with daily activities. This includes support with bathing, dressing, mobility, and more. It allows individuals to maintain their independence and dignity to the fullest extent possible.
Supporting Aging Populations: Our world is aging, and as a result, the demand for long-term care services is increasing. It’s crucial that we recognize and address this growing need to ensure our elderly population receives the care and support they deserve.
Caring for Individuals with Disabilities: Long-term care is not limited to the elderly; it also extends to individuals with disabilities, providing the assistance and services necessary for them to lead fulfilling lives.

Roers has a long history of involvement in constructing long-term care facilities. What sets us apart in our communities is our roots, experience and relationships. We specialize in new construction, remodels, and additions, with much focus on preliminary budgeting, financing and cost allocation. We also have a unique sensitivity

Ways to Celebrate Long-Term Care Awareness Month:

Share Stories: Share the stories of individuals who have benefited from long-term care and the dedicated professionals who make it possible.
Support Organizations: Consider donating to or volunteering with organizations that work to improve long-term care services and advocate for policy changes.
Acknowledge Caregivers: Take a moment to thank caregivers and healthcare professionals for their tireless work.
Learn More: Educate yourself and your community about the importance of long-term care and the challenges those in need face.

As we look back at previously completed projects, and look forward to the opportunity for future projects, we can’t help but be thankful for our experience gained in revamping and constructing these facilities to do our part in ensuring a better quality of life for the residents of each building and facility.

Head to our PROJECTS page to take a look at our senior care portfolio.

Long-Term Care Senior Living

National Safety Month 2024

In the ever changing world of construction safety is the key to success. No matter how much money a project makes or how great it looks it is not successful if someone gets hurt. We are dedicated to sending everyone home safe and sound to their families each and every day. We strive every day to raise the bar a little higher so we can reach our ultimate goal of zero injuries.

We spoke with Safety Manager, Mack Buck, about the importance of safety within his various roles in life. This is what he had to say:

As an employee:

Employees who work in a safe environment are less likely to suffer from work-related health issues, like MSDs (Musculoskeletal Disorders), that can affect that person for the rest of their lives. No one wants to grow into the role of the grandpa who says, “Sorry buddy, I can’t play ‘cause I got a bum knee back in ’22.” Employees want to have a long, sustainable career without being interrupted by injuries from workplace hazards.

As a safety manager:

It is my professional responsibility to identify risks/hazards in the workplace and then implement safety measures to correct them. This aligns with my ethics and morals, and I’m also obliged to conform to safety regulations set by federal law and company policy. I also consider the company’s reputation and employees’ personal and professional development.

As a dad:

As a dad, I want to be a good role model for my kids; they do as they see. Of course, I let them enjoy exploring the world to learn and grow, but I have a deep-seated desire to ensure they’re doing so safely. As for my own safety, let’s just say I’d like to take care of them longer than they would have to take care of me.

As a part of National Safety Month, Roers took the opportunity for various educational activities for those in the field and in the office.

Tailgate Tuesday: June 11th

OECS – Workplace Safety collaborated with ABC to bring us an on-site Tailgate Tuesday event.

Field crew members and office members were both welcomed to our Metropolitan project site for lunch and a presentation of life-saving safety topics.

Annual Office Safety Training: June 18th

Annual training is required by OSHA for everyone employed and this was hosted during the month of June! Office employees all over the state tuned in via zoom and in person to go over current safety education and tips.

3M Presentation: June 20th

Field staff and subcontractors were invited to the Metro jobsite once again, but this time to watch a presentation from 3M. This covered all things you need to know about fall protection.

Check out 3M here!

All events have been so beneficial to keeping our employees informed about safety and how important it is.

We asked our 2023 Safety Champion and Roers Superintendent, Broc Beyers to give us a quote about safety, and this is what he had to say:

"Take your time and perform the task safely so you can spend time more time with your family."

I think this pretty much sums up what all of our field workers should have on their minds. We all take our safety at work for granted because we think we have to speed through every project. A accident does not only affect us but it affects the company and our family. Anytime I start a task, or have guys start a task, I take time to think and explain the best way to perform it safely and correct. Sometimes it feels like I ramble on about it but at the end of the day its my job to watch out for everyone on my site. Taking that extra minute before the work begins can make the difference between someone not getting to go home at the end of the day or them getting to go home every day for the next 30 years.

Roers & Giving Hearts Day 2024

The winter months can seem long and dreary, but our hearts are full after Giving Hearts Day 2024! This annual fundraiser is always a highlight of the season at Roers.  

Giving Hearts Day 2024 was February 8th. The 24-hour event benefits hundreds of non-profits across North Dakota and Minnesota, and is a great way to support a cause you believe in. After accepting suggestions from employees, our Charitable Giving Committee voted to gift $100 each to the following charities:

We also got into a competitive spirit and filled out our Super Bowl Squares board, with half the money raised going to three local organizations:

Make-A-Wish North Dakota, receiving $200
Ronald McDonald House, receiving $150
BIO Girls, receiving $150

Roers also purchased GHD gift cards to give to employees, who could use them to support a charity of their choice! Some employees even participated in our GHD video posted to Instagram & TikTok showcasing who our employees decided to give back to.

“At Roers, one of our core values is community. Giving Hearts Day is an opportunity to support and give back to the communities we serve,” says Heidi Knutson, VP of marketing, communications, and culture at Roers.   

Reflecting on the experience, we’re grateful for the chance to support others, and for the fellowship and generosity of our team.

Community giving

Herberger’s Demolition Kicks off the Downtown Moorhead Project

FARGO, ND – The kickoff of the Downtown Moorhead project is underway with the demolition of the Herberger’s building located on the northwest side of the Moorhead Center Mall. Interior demolition has been taking place for weeks ensuring all recyclables and hazardous waste were appropriately removed from the structure. Exterior demolition will begin on Thursday, February 1, and will continue into March.

Herberger’s opened in the Moorhead Center Mall in 1983 and was an anchor store until closing in 2018 when parent company, Bon-Ton, filed for bankruptcy and closed six stores. The parking ramp, which is owned by the City of Moorhead, was added in 1992 and will remain at this time.

The next phase of demolition will be the building located northwest of 5th Street on Center Avenue, which is expected to begin in the Spring of 2024. The demolition is a strategic move to make way for the redevelopment project and the future home of the Moorhead Community Center & Library.

For more information on this project and to keep up to date on the development status, please visit www.moretomoorhead.com.

Project Background

Roers and the City of Moorhead entered into a predevelopment agreement in 2019 with the option for Roers to purchase City-owned property. The partnership involved identifying redevelopment opportunities for the existing Moorhead City Hall (located at the 500 block of Center Avenue in Moorhead), Moorhead Center Mall and surrounding City-owned property. As part of the partnership, Roers and the City of Moorhead will focus on a development option mutually beneficial for all parties including the Moorhead Center Mall property owners, Downtown Moorhead Inc., residents, and business owners of Moorhead.

Roers is a Fargo-based development company specializing in development, construction, real estate, and property management. Roers has a proven track record for building success in the communities they serve. Visit www.roers.com for insight on the company’s services, projects, and community involvement.

Community Development downtown moorhead moorhead center mall

Burning Hills Amphitheatre Elevator Access Project Wins NDRM&CPA Gold Star Award

Taracon Precast, Wysan Precast Services, and Roers have been honored with the North Dakota Ready Mix & Concrete Products Association (NDRM&CPA) Gold Star Award for their outstanding collaboration on the “Burning Hills Amphitheatre Elevator Access Project.” The project, recognized as the top project in the Commercial Category, was presented with the award at the NDRM&CPA 58th Annual Convention in Dickinson, ND on Thursday, January 11, 2024.

The Burning Hills Amphitheatre Elevator Access Project, situated at 3422 Chateau Road, Medora, ND 58654, is a pivotal element of the ongoing Access Medora initiative. This initiative, driven to enhance the Medora Musical experience, aims to improve accessibility for individuals of all ages and abilities. The centerpiece of this endeavor is the high-capacity elevator produced with precast concrete elements including: 9” solid walls, 12” solid walls, 6” solid slabs, and 42” double tees produced by Taracon Precast, erected by Wysan Precast Services, and overseen by the general contractor, Roers.

Unlike traditional methods that involve shuttling guests up and down winding walking paths, this innovative elevator offers a fast, safe, and efficient alternative for those requiring extra assistance. Completed by the Roers team in the spring of 2022, the Burning Hills Amphitheatre Elevator Access Project significantly contributes to providing an enhanced experience for guests at the Medora Amphitheatre.

The elevator, designed to accommodate hundreds of people each night, serves both convenience and safety, facilitating the swift movement of guests and aiding emergency responders. Aligned with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, the elevator project is a testament to the commitment of Access Medora to inclusivity and accessibility.

In response to the successful implementation of the Burning Hills Amphitheatre Elevator Access Project, Kinley Slauter, Director of Entertainment & Attractions at Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation, expressed her appreciation, stating, “After the first two seasons of operation, our visitors and staff continue to express appreciation for this great new amenity at the Burning Hills Amphitheatre on a near nightly basis. Additionally, in this setting we wanted to add something that enhanced the Medora Musical experience with inspiring architecture and craftsmanship. We believe the project achieved that, beyond our expectations. We remain grateful for the sponsors who made it possible and to the teams at Roers, Winn Construction, and Dickinson Ready Mix for making it happen.”

If you want to see what opportunities you have to see this project for yourself, head to Medora website!

To read more about this project, head to the Project page HERE.

burning hills Construction elevator medora

2023 Turnover Recap!

The busiest time of year for our Residential Property Management Staff has recently wrapped up. We made it! From the end of July to the first week into August, the leasing staff, maintenance staff, and marketing staff, plus extra staff from the Roers office are working around the clock to ensure that all 120 move-ins and move-outs are successful. Additionally, we partner with local vendors to enhance the premier experience for our residents. Not only do we perform our normal job duties, but all staff also fill in to help make sure the turnover days go smoothly. We even assembled our own cleaning crews to go into the units and clean before the next move-in to make sure all move-ins are ready. All move-outs are either in person or no contact, which helps staff and residents efficiently throughout the day.

Upon moving in, all residents are greeted by our friendly and helpful leasing staff. Part of our welcome crew will go over important building information, parking lot passes, and rental insurance. Once all the required information has been collected by leasing agents, your new apartment is ready to call home. All pre-move inspections are done by staff before the resident arrives. If any questions or concerns are found during the move-in, staff are available to help quickly.

“The 2023 Fargo turnover this year was phenomenal. All the staff members worked well together, completing all appointments in a timely manner and welcoming all our new residents to their homes.”

Lindsey O'Driscoll

General Manager

Whether you are living in our townhomes or one of our
apartment buildings, we look forward to getting to know all our new residents over the next year. Thank you for calling Roers your new home.

Helpful links as a new resident!

Resident Portal

Emergency Maintenance

📞: 701-371-9915

2023 Fargo Property Management Residential roers Student Housing Turnover

Roers Top Winter Maintenance Tips for Renters

Now that we are into the new year and the cold weather is truly here to stay, having your hope prepared for the winter months can be put into focus. To help with that our property management team has put together a list of their top priorities when it comes to staying safe in the winter time.

“Check Your Heat” – General Manager

During those long summer months running the heat is the last thing you want running in your apartment, but not using it for long can cause problems. Before it gets too cold, turn on the heat and make sure everything is running smoothly and that there are no weird smells. If something is wrong, make sure to contact maintenance and get it fixed as soon as possible.

This is also a good time to cover your outside air conditioning units. Covering your unit will help keep cold air out of your apartment. Most apartments provide a cover for your air conditioning units, so it is important to check with management before covering it yourself.

“Check Your Garage Door Opener” – Maintenance Technician

If you are lucky enough to have a garage stall you want to make sure you can get into it. Check your opener and make sure your door moves without any issues. If your door gets stuck or your opener is not working, contact maintenance so they can get it fixed for you.

Be sure to check within your garage is that your personal items are moved out of the way. Moving things around before it gets too cold will make it easier for you to find room for your vehicle.

“Move Your Outdoor Furniture Inside” – Property Ambassador

For those who have a balcony it is important to cover all your furniture or even bring it in for the winter season. Properly storing your belongs for the winter will maintain their quality and help them make it to next season.

While preparing your outdoor for winter it is also a good idea to do some work inside. During the winter you will spend most of your days curled up at home, so might as well make it a clean place to be. Bust out the cleaning supplies and get to work, vacuum carpets, dust those hard-to-reach places, and organize your home. These small acts will change your area and make it feel more like home.

“Make Sure Your Windows Are Closed” – Maintenance Technician

It is important to check your windows before it gets too cold. When checking your windows, look and make sure they are fully sealed and do not have a noticeable draft coming through them. Another thing you can do to prepare your windows for winter is to plastic seal your windows. Wrapping your windows helps with keeping the cold out. If you notice any issues with your windows or having problems fully closing the windows let management know.

For more winter maintenance tips check out this ARTICLE.

Looking for a new apartment? Check out all our listings HERE.

Maintenance Property Management Renter Tips winter

Becoming Lowman Walton Hall

Another historic renovation is in the books!

On Monday, November 7^th, 2022, Dickinson State University had their ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly renovated Lowman Walton Hall, formerly known as Pulver Hall. The ribbon cutting ceremony was conducted by DSU President Steven Easton and Director of the TR Center, Christopher O’Brien. Roers was the general contractor overseeing the complete interior renovation of this six-story building.

Originally built in 1967, Pulver Hall was used as a male only dormitory, and in later years was repurposed into an office building and has been used as that ever since. The new Lowman Walton Hall is now housing the Theodore Roosevelt Center, which does digitizing of the 26^th President of the United States. On the upper two levels of the building, there are suites that have been re-converted into modern dorm rooms to house students.

You can also check out our Pulver Hall project page HERE.

Construction Dickinson Educational

Introducing Our New Safety Manager!

How long have you been with Roers?
7 years

What positions have you held?
Carpenter, Lead carpenter, and Safety Manager, As well as being on the safety committee for 3 1/2 years straight.

Why are you passionate about safety in the workplace?
Safety is what keeps us happy and healthy, it lets us go home at the end of the day. It saves us money, and it proves that we are all in this together.

What opportunities do you see to maintain and better our safety stats?
I’d like to collect and analyze the data available to help pilot a proactive safety culture. When everyone understands and respects hazards and can speak up to and educate the ones less knowledgeable, we can cultivate a plan to remain efficient as well as safe.

How did you become involved in Safety at Roers?
had a minor jobsite incident that was less than serious, involving a forklift, but still required some action. I was placed on the safety committee at that point to help educate me on safety in the work place. Well, it worked! I really did pay attention and changed my attitude about safety, 3 years later I won the annual Safety Champion award. 8 months after that I was promoted to Safety Manager.

What is your favorite part of working for Roers in general and in your role?
Roers really does feel like a family, but I have to say the field and the office are more like cousins rather than siblings. I get to work with the entire family and would like to bridge the gap better to bring us closer together than ever before.

Mack Buck

Safety Manager
safety@roers.com

We are all excited to welcome Mack into his new role with Roers and can’t wait to see where he takes safety with the company!

Construction Promotion Property Management Safety

Roers Announces Downtown Moorhead Development Project Plans

Moorhead’s downtown will be revitalized with expanded opportunities for lifestyle, diversity and a growing expressive culture. Roers has unveiled the initial concept plans for the Downtown Moorhead Development project, inspired by a vision of “More to Moorhead.” The reimagined downtown area is the steppingstone for the future growth and value of Moorhead.

Roers will oversee the planning and execution of the development, which may be upwards of nine city blocks. “Roers is investing in this project as we feel there is a fantastic opportunity for Moorhead, its business community, and its residents,” commented Jim Roers, CEO of Roers. Roers will work with and bring on other developers to complete the project. “With a project of this magnitude, partnering with other developers in the community will bring new ideas and enhancements to the development. We have already held conversations with interested developers and welcome others to get involved,” said Roers. Roers is the lead developer of the project and is working with the City of Moorhead to establish design standards for the entire project. This will streamline the process for developers who want to be involved in the project.

Roers is partnering with JLG Architects and Stantec to help bring the vision to reality for the development. Building off of Moorhead’s Downtown Master Plan and Comprehensive plan, the design team has worked closely with stakeholders to set the framework for a development that would support the growth and continued prosperity of Moorhead. A vibrant downtown is the heartbeat of any thriving community. Great consideration has gone into developing an intentional master plan that can serve as a framework for development, with the goals of being fresh and exciting for Moorhead residents, as well as existing and new businesses. In the research for the Downtown Moorhead vision, the most common responses were the need for opportunities for Moorhead residents to live, work, and have entertainment options.

Development Vision

Combining cultural architecture from Moorhead’s roots to all heritages represented in the community, JLG has designed the concept to be a place where people from all cultures can come together. The plan envisions place for people to live, work, shop, relax, learn and celebrate together. Incorporated green space will include water features tying in the connection to the riverfront, entertainment opportunities in an outdoor plaza area or street sections will add to the “gathering” atmosphere. Established museums and new opportunities for art, education and theater will provide a thriving cultural destination. Unique local and global dining options will attract those visiting but also those living in the development. Housing options may range from rooftop patio condos, walk up townhomes or studio river view apartments. The Downtown Moorhead vision is to create a place where all people can see themselves.

Plans include multiple phases of the project. As the plans are still being finalized, the first phase may include four new buildings and will be located at the east end of the existing Moorhead Center Mall area. The second phase would be on the south section of the Moorhead Center Mall with new buildings added. Each of the spaces within the mall is privately owned, therefore Roers is working with each owner to understand their needs and opportunities for their businesses as part of the new development. All businesses are welcome to be a part of the development and remain in downtown Moorhead. The City of Moorhead anticipates studying the renovation/relocation of City Hall, however no decision has been made.

“The plan captures a vibrant and inclusive vision for our downtown. It pays homage to the roots of the people of this region, while also creating space and opportunity for people to see themselves living, working, and playing in our downtown,” says Moorhead Mayor Shelly Carlson. “The City of Moorhead is excited to be part of this incredible redevelopment that will provide the catalyst Moorhead needs to ignite our downtown and create places filled with amazing experiences.”

For more information on this project, to keep up to date on the development status, or if you are interested in being a part of the development (builder or retail), please visit www.moretomoorhead.com.

Project Background

Roers and the City of Moorhead entered into a predevelopment agreement in 2019 with the option for Roers to purchase City-owned property. The partnership involved identifying redevelopment opportunities for the existing Moorhead City Hall (located at the 500 block of Center Avenue in Moorhead), Moorhead Center Mall and surrounding City-owned property. As part of the partnership, Roers and the City of Moorhead will focus on a development options mutually beneficial for all parties including the Moorhead Center Mall property owners, Downtown Moorhead Inc., residents, and business owners of Moorhead.

Roers is a Fargo-based development company specializing in development, construction, real estate and property management. Roers has a proven track record for building success in the communities we serve, and we can’t wait to take on this huge project with the help of other reputable companies in our area and the City of Moorhead.

Head to our Downtown Moorhead Development project page HERE.