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.

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.

Becoming Lowman Walton Hall

Another historic renovation is in the books!

On Monday, November 7th, 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 26th 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.

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!

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.

It’s Time for Townhomes

Roers files permit application for Roosevelt Neighborhood Townhome Project 

Jim Roers, President of Roers Construction and Development, announced that Roers Construction filed an application for the building permit to construct seven townhomes on the block near the Newman Center Church and the View Apartment building in Fargo. 

“As we’ve promised the Roosevelt neighborhood from the beginning, we are committed to providing affordable living solutions as a part of this project that will welcome new families into the neighborhood.  Working through supply chain issues, construction delays, and cost increases that came about due to COVID, we have found a solution to ensure that these units remain reasonably priced for families and that we are able to construct them in an expeditious manner,” said Roers. 

Roers said that Roers Construction is prepared to break ground as soon as the building permit is approved and anticipates the townhomes will be ready for occupancy by the end of 2022.  As has been reported, this project represents the final phase of a multi-year project on the north Fargo site.  The townhomes represent the last $2,000,000 of the $50,000,000 total project budget. 

When it was originally approved by the City, it was estimated that the project would provide $9,000,000 of taxable value for the City, but even without the completed townhomes the project has already increased the taxable value to $10,700,000.  This value increase on this block will serve to reduce property tax burdens for citizens throughout the city. 

Roers is committed to working proactively with the City of Fargo on this project and in the future to better the community.

Check out the three projects below to see how this multi-property project all comes together!

St Paul Newman Center

The View on University

Faith Based Student Housing

ROERS POV: Missouri Slope From The Ground Up

Taking on Missouri Slope

“Every project comes with its own challenges, and Missouri Slope was the largest project I have taken on.  With the new opportunity, I was excited to start long before the project officially began.

Missouri Slope has an updated, unique design that centers around a “core” of the building for staff to serve the resident wings. In my mind I viewed it as five separate buildings, and would explain it as such to all subcontractors coming on-site, so they were not overwhelmed by the sheer size of this project.

We came in aggressive and self-performed the foundations for the first wing, this proved to be the most difficult wing on the project. It is the deepest area of the project, and there we discovered a vein of water that flows from that corner diagonally across the footprint of the building. During this portion, we were constantly working in the water.

After a month of excavation and forming, we had a snow event that drifted in over 6-feet of snow. I was hands on from the start, providing layout, tying rebar, building temporary access roads for ready mix trucks, and pouring. Whatever was needed to continue work was done.

The foundations are my favorite part of any project, and I’m thankful that we were able to make it past the various hurdles sent our way.

Once we were past the first wing, our foundation subcontractor came in with a small army of 18 men. As they progressed further into it, another dozen came in to start setting the steel and precast. It was great feeling to see a sizable crew join us and get after the project. Roers is a very hands on company, we self-perform from ground up. At first, it was difficult to let these guys run with it without comparing how we would typically approach tasks.

The plumber was the first individual on the job. He came on the project very early to start doing plan reviews and prefab in the basement of the existing building, where we had a great office space set up. Had he not been on-site I would’ve been the Lone Ranger for quite a while before more crews started showing up.”

Roers Mask Donation
93687158_3184362291582399_1910219359532351488_n

Hitting the Pandemic

“I don’t like to go down the pandemic road, but how can you not address it. It was difficult, to say the least. Times were uncertain long before it reached the states. The state health department tried to close down the project site.  I had a feeling of pride that Roers was able to keep the project moving, keeping people at work. We were one of the few companies lucky enough to not go through a shut down, but others didn’t share the same view. People in the field wanted direction. They wanted answers, as did I, but no one had them at that time. We were all in tune with the hourly news with concerns of them closing state borders or interstate travel. It all seems so long ago, and ridiculous now, but the fear was real . The Covid task force Roers came up with was amazing and was able to calm everyone in such a short time. Knowing it’s being addressed at our top level of management eased the strain on everyone. I could go on with multiple stories of conversations, conflicts and incidents, but overall, Missouri Slope has been such a positive project and I don’t like to dwell on that era of the project.  However, it still had a tremendous impact on myself and the project overall.

I do have to mention one comical memory: While driving on the interstates, the rest areas were closed, but still they placed portable toilets out for travelers to use. It’s an example of how unprepared we all were for such a catastrophe.”

Coming to an End

“Looking back it seems every month brought a milestone, deadline, a new trade on-site, or unforeseen challenges, most often it was the weather.

I have worked with multiple subcontractors over the years, everyone involved in the field can attest to some of the difficulties some trades may bring with them .

At the end of Slope, I look back and can honestly say I have not worked with a better group of trades. 

I feel as though I’m making a large leap to the end here, but to sum it all up this has been one of the most gratifying projects I’ve been tasked with. Not just the project itself, but working alongside the team of individuals Roers put together to make it happen.”

-Philip Keller, Superintendent

You can read more on Missouri Slope by visiting our project page here or heading to their website!

Safety is Not an 8 to 5 Job

Safety. At Roers this is more than just a six letter word that is discussed at the beginning of a job. It is a focus for each employee every day at Roers whether in the field or in the office. Andrew St. John, Safety  Manager at Roers, ensures that safety is on the top of every employees mind.

“Safety is not an 8 to 5 job. Safety is 24/7, because your family wants you to be safe too,” is a motto that St. John refers to often. In order to keep safety a key part of each role, there are many steps taken in the company’s customized safety program. Roers participates in the ABC Step Program, partners with Bismarck State College’s OSHA Consult Team, holds CPR and First Aid Training along with various other training sessions for employees throughout the year. Subcontractors are included in many training programs as well. In fact, over the past years, Roers and subcontractors have participated in the OSHA consultation and training program over 30 times. St. John visits job sites frequently and the Safety Committee performs monthly site audits. Roers holds many in-house training sessions which allows the training to be customized and specific for our projects. The investment in a safety program ensures each site is equipped with safety equipment, safety measures are followed and employees understand safety precautions.

At Roers we take safety very serious, 24/7. We work to build success and when everyone focuses on safety, our employees can be productive, effective and successful each day

Learn more about Bismarck State Colleges safety program here. 

Read about how Roers prioritizes safety 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!

Jeremiah Program

Fargo, ND — Jeremiah Program broke ground on its new Fargo-Moorhead campus in early June. The new campus, located at 3104 Fiechtner Drive South in Fargo, will provide safe and affordable housing for 20 determined, low-income families, as well as an on-site early childhood education center, classrooms where the mothers can build confidence and life skills, and spaces where they can meet with coaches to support them in achieving a career-track, college education.

“We have worked hard together to get to this day,” said Diane Solinger, Jeremiah Program Fargo-Moorhead Executive Director. “Many of our community board of trustees and supporters have been with us since the very beginning, even though the peaks and valleys. They have given us unwavering commitment, and together we are building a campus to bring this excitement to life.”

Why is this campus and Jeremiah important to Fargo-Moorhead? Currently, more than 2,300 single mothers are living in poverty in the Fargo-Moorhead area, a number that has increased 16 percent over the last six years. The majority of these mothers have children under the age of four with fewer than half of them enrolled in pre-school…

To read the full article click here! 

For full project details look here!