Construction and commercial building plans usually don't start rolling until spring, even in more active years, Grand Forks city planner Brad Gengler said.
But he said there are some notable projects taking shape right now.
The first is by Library Consulting, the firm hired by the Grand Forks Public Library Board. The consultant has been conducting evaluations of eight sites for a new library, including the former Leever's Grocery Store and the former Best building at the southwest corner of 24th Avenue South and Columbia Road. That building was headquarters for the Grand Forks Herald after the 1997 flood.
Gengler said another project getting some early attention is the southward expansion of 48th Street South, which goes through the city's industrial park. Gengler said the plan is to extend the access road from where it stops at 17th Avenue South to 32nd Avenue South.
"The goal is to get it out for bids in May, then construction this year into next," Gengler said.
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A third project involves the streamlining of the outdoor seating provision guidelines by the Downtown Design Review Board, Gengler said.
More business
Barnes & Noble has moved into the old B. Dalton Bookseller location in Columbia Mall. Barnes & Noble is the parent company of B. Dalton.
Subway will add a location on 32nd Avenue South, next to the Golden Corral. Gengler said the building permit was issued in October 2009. It will be the ninth Subway in Grand Forks and East Grand Forks.
Gengler said the building agreement called for Buffalo Wild Wings to build next door, but when contacted by phone Monday afternoon, management would not comment on whether Buffalo Wild Wings is moving in, whether its business on South Columbia Road is moving or if the chain is opening a second Grand Forks location.
As for other new restaurants such as Olive Garden and International House of Pancakes, Gengler said the city is awaiting word from Darden Restaurants and IHOP, which both have expressed interest in building in the southwest end of the city. Gengler said no further word has been heard from McAlister's Deli, a casual restaurant chain based in Ridgeland, Miss., which told the Herald in October 2009 that it plans to add a location in Grand Forks in 2010.
Reach Johnson at (701) 780-1262; (800) 477-6572, ext. 262; or send e-mail to jjohnson2@gfherald.com .
