Community Archives

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.

Roers Volunteering Recap of 2024

Part of our mission at Roers is to be an active part of the communities where we live through our Give and Grow Program. One of our committees is Volunteering. Our Volunteering mission statement is “The Roers Volunteer committee will provide experiences for Roers employees to give their time and talents to non-profit organizations in our communities.” Our goal is to have one organized volunteering opportunity in each area, per quarter, depending on availability.

Later in 2024, we introduced a new employee incentive called Volunteer Time Off (VTO) which provided employees with 4 hours of VTO to use throughout the year. The VTO program allows employees to take time off during the workday to volunteer in the community. For 2025, each employee will receive 8 hours of VTO to use throughout the year.

We also launched a new webpage on our employee portal that shows ongoing volunteering opportunities in each area! This webpage was launched this fall and a QR Code is shared to all locations and job sites on how to access this page.

Here’s a recap of the volunteering opportunities our employees had this year!

– January: Care for Kids Radiothon in Fargo

– April: Earth Day Clean Up in all areas

– July: Roughrider Days Parade in Dickinson

– August: Backpack drive for United Way in Fargo

– October: Hope Blooms in Fargo

– December: Bell ringing in Fargo, Minot and Bismarck

We also had the pleasure of our employees using VTO this fall to volunteer during work hours that was not a Roers organized event. Check out there great examples of our marketing team and property management team using their VTO hours this fall.

– Ronald McDonald House: Baking goodies for families that are staying in the house while they are here for medical reasons.

– The Great North Pole: a local group that helps bring joy to families in need during the holiday season by packing and delivery daily essentials, food, and toys directly to their home.

2024 was a successful year for volunteering at Roers and we can’t wait to see what is in store for 2025!

If your organization has volunteer events/opportunities, we’d love to hear from you! Fill out our contact form here.

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

Roers Perks Program

Earlier this year, we reinvented what was previously known as Resident Loyalty Program to Roers Perks Program. In the past, this program helped connect our residents to local business’ by offering a special discount for living with Roers. We gave the program a fresh start by going back to the basics and working from the ground up. One of the most significant changes to the program was offering the program to not only our Fargo residents, but our employees too!

Behind The Scenes

Our marketing team spent time discussing and planning how we envisioned the new program would work. This included compiling a list of local businesses in the area to reach out to. A letter was sent out to each business introducing ourselves, what we are going to offer in the Perks Program and what is in it for the business. While we awaited responses, a member of our marketing team, Brenna, designed a new card look. Over a few weeks, we started to hear back from business in town excited to be a part of our program. Our goal was to have at least 10 businesses in our program before our soft launch date. We are happy to announce that we exceeded our goal and are currently partnering with 12 businesses!

Old card design

New card design

Perks Program Businesses

With community at our core, it was our mission to connect residents and employees with those who make the Fargo-Moorhead area feel like home. We are thrilled to become partners with a variety of businesses in the community.

The Collective Salon & Spa
Lashfull
Suite Shots
Herd & Horns
Mojo Fit Studios
Nutrition World

Pixeled Brewing Co.
Spicy Pie
Wild Terra
Solidcore
Three Dogs Bakery
Wildflower Lane Designs

Our Launch Timeline

At the beginning of May, we started our soft launch to a small group of residents in the area.

In mid-May, all Fargo employees received their perks cards and information.
In the beginning of June, all the residents at The Metropolitan were provided their perks cards. We launched it at The Metropolitan when the first phase of Phase 3 opened!
In the beginning of August, the remaining properties in Fargo were provided with their perks cards upon move in or delivered to their doors if they were a resident that renewed their lease.

Connecting Residents to the Businesses

A few weeks ago, our Roers Property Management Team and Marketing Property Specialist held an event at The View on University. This event featured Spicy Pie pizza for residents to enjoy and a game of bingo with each prize being a gift card to one of our perk’s members! This was a great way to re-introduce the program and explain how the program works to residents.

We want to thank all of our perk’s businesses for partnering with us! If you’re a business owner and would like to receive more information about the perks program, please fill out our form here and a member of our marketing team will contact you.

Our next steps of this program is to increase the number of partnering businesses and to expand to our other locations in North Dakota. Check out our perks program page here for more information and what discounts are offered at each business.

Community Employee Benefits Residential Roers Perks Program

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

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

NDSU Partnership; Cash for College Sweepstakes Winner

Roers had the pleasure of partnering with North Dakota State University (NDSU) to host a sweepstakes, Win Cash for College. This sweepstakes was opened to all NDSU students. Out of the hundreds of entries, we are happy to announce the winner of the sweepstakes, Laney Hartel!

Roers Property Management General Manager, Lindsey, and Marketing Property Specialist, Jenna, had the pleasure of meeting Laney at the Sanford Health Athletic Complex (SHAC) and presenting her with a $500 check. We had the chance to get to know a little bit about Laney, what her school plans are, and what she plans on doing with the money!

Roers Marketing Specialist, Jenna, Win Cash for College Winner, Laney and Roers General Manager, Lindsey

Roers General Manager, Lindsey, and winner, Laney

Interview:

What major are you studying at NDSU?
I am studying nursing!

What do you plan on doing with the prize money?
I am planning on using it for rent or groceries.

What made you excited to participate in the contest?
I was excited to participate in a chance to help pay for college.

What was your reaction when you found out you won?
Honestly, I thought I was being scammed at first because I didn’t expect to win.

Once again, congratulations to Laney for winning the sweepstakes and thank you to all of those who have entered to win.

North Dakota State University Bison Sports Properties and Learfield/IMG College have named Roers as the Official Off Campus Housing Sponsor for North Dakota State University (NDSU) Athletics.

Roers has offered premier housing for NDSU students, staff, and faculty for more than 20 years. Not only does Roers manage residential properties, we designed and built many of them.

Choosing to rent with Roers has so many benefits, including the proximity to campus but also the lifestyle inclusions. Roers offers a variety of housing options from apartments, townhomes, multiplexes, and single-family homes.

Roers is a strong supporter of NDSU. Together our divisions including property management, construction, development, and real estate all have experience working with NDSU on various projects as well as numerous employees being NDSU alumni or active in committees on campus.

If you’d like to read up on another NDSU Campaign we hosted a in 2021, check that out here!

GO BISON!

campaign giveaway NDSU off campus housing sponsor of ndsu athletics students sweepstakes

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.

U of Mary

Construction workers at the University of Mary put away the hard hats and put a halt to all the construction for one hour today to celebrate the grand opening of the school’s new residence hall at the center of campus.

Students, faculty, staff and honored guests officially marked the opening of the all-female, 276-bed residence hall with a festive ribbon-cutting ceremony, the unveiling of its new name, Roers Hall (pronounced Roars), and tours of the facility. Roers Hall is just steps east of Welder library tucked between two other residence halls, Greg Butler Hall and Hillside Hall, forming a neatly nestled quad that fosters more interaction among students.

“We are extremely grateful to the Roers family. Their faithfulness and devotion to Catholic higher education and their love for our students and the Benedictine Sisters of the Annunciation Monastery, founders and sponsors of the University of Mary, is an inspiration to us all,” said University of Mary President Monsignor James Shea. “Over the years Roers has expanded west from their home in Fargo, so they understand first-hand the growth we are experiencing in North Dakota, particularly in Bismarck and on our campus…”

Read the full article here!

For full project information click here!

Bismarck Project Update Roers Hall