FARGO, N.D. (KFGO) – Official groundbreaking ceremonies were held Wednesday for the Block 9 Project in downtown Fargo.

The 18 floor, $117 million high rise will be a landmark in Fargo, the tallest building in the city, and second highest in the state behind the state capitol building. The tower will include a hotel and restaurant, high-end condo’s, businesses and a 379 space parking ramp.

Mike Allmendinger is president of the Kilbourne Group, one of the project’s partners.

Initial plans for the project started 9 years ago. Final financing and land purchase was wrapped up just this past week.

Block 9 is expected to be completed in 2020.

The Kilbourne Group, which has developed and rehabbed much of downtown, is owned by Governor Doug Burgum, although he is not involved in day-to-day operation of the company. Other partners are R.D. Offutt Company, which will have its offices in the tower, and the Aparium Hotel Group, which will have a 125 room hotel in the building.