A hotel that’s been in Grand Forks for decades is getting a facelift as more new hotels open for business.
The Ramada Inn, located at 1205 N. 43rd St., will undergo an extensive remodeling beginning in the coming weeks. The work will include everything from the rooms, front lobby, banquet rooms, bar and restaurant.
“Lots of major things that will be going on,” said Ann Vossekuil, the Ramada’s sales and catering director. “It’s really exciting. It’s just going to look brand new.”
The Ramada was built in 1972, according to county property records. Vossekuil said business is still good, but a rush of new hotels in the area is spreading out customers. Much of the new hotel construction has concentrated just south of the Ramada on 42nd Street across from the Alerus Center.
About 329 hotel rooms have been added in Grand Forks over the past two years, according to Julie Rygg, executive director of the Greater Grand Forks Convention and Visitors Bureau.
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“We’re all sharing more,” Vossekuil said, adding that wedding receptions are an important part of their business. “We’re just really excited about redoing the banquet rooms also, because it does do big business back there.”
The hotel won’t close during the remodel, Vossekuil said.
Sweeper makers break ground
A manufacturer of street sweepers broke ground recently on an expansion of its facility in the Grand Forks Industrial Park.
Odra, which also has an office in Winnipeg, first moved into Grand Forks in 2012. At the time, company CEO Mirek Byczynski said most of their sales were to the U.S. This week, he said they are in the process of expanding their international presence.
The expansion will add more warehouse and assembly areas, Byczynksi said. A new loading dock will allow them to more easily and safely ship sweeper modules to other countries, which require different chassis.
1 Million Cups moves
1 Million Cups, the weekly program aimed at connecting local entrepreneurs, has a new home.
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The event first launched last month at the Third Street Gallery, and moved just down the street to the Empire Arts Center’s basement. There are more than 50 1 Million Cups locations nationwide, including Fargo and Bismarck.
Corey Mock, one of the event’s organizers and executive director of the Greater Grand Forks Young Professionals, said they’re planning to use the basement space for now but may move to the actual theater if attendance increases.
Send business tips to Hageman at jhageman@gfherald.com or (701) 780-1244 .
