The Immigrant Development Center (IDC) has been a pillar of support for immigrant entrepreneurs and a force for strengthening community ties since 2006. Continuing this legacy, IDC is spearheading an ambitious project—the Moorhead Cultural Mall. This project aims to create an inclusive hub for economic and cultural exchange, benefiting not just Moorhead but the surrounding regions as well.
The Moorhead Cultural Mall project builds on IDC’s extensive experience and expertise, addressing the community’s need for a vibrant, inclusive space. IDC has assembled an advisory committee of business, civic, and nonprofit leaders to guide this initiative. This committee comprises diverse community stakeholders who bring a wealth of knowledge and insights to the project.
The City of Moorhead, with a population of 44,505 and a median age of 30.1 years, boasts a robust business climate and a thriving tourism sector. The Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan statistical area (MSA) attracts 5.5 million visitors annually, generating $385 million in visitor spending. This vibrant, growing city, home to prestigious colleges like Minnesota State University-Moorhead and Concordia College, provides an ideal environment for the development of the Cultural Mall.
The Moorhead Cultural Mall aims to:
– Spur Economic Growth: By fostering small business development and ownership, the Mall will provide numerous opportunities for economic advancement.
– Bridge Cultures: Showcasing and welcoming international diversity, the Mall will be a space where cultures converge and thrive.
– Establish a Vibrant Community Gathering Space: The Mall will serve as a central hub for workshops, events, and community activities.
– Promote Cultural Tourism: Enhancing the region’s cultural appeal, the Mall will attract tourists and boost local tourism.
– Create Jobs: The Mall will generate employment opportunities for immigrants and minority populations, fostering inclusivity and economic stability.
The Moorhead Cultural Mall project encompasses:
– Full building reconstruction, including exterior façade and interior floor plan redesign.
– Major upgrades to structural, mechanical, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems.
– Creation of flexible market-style retail spaces for local vendors.
– Development of restaurant and food hall spaces.
– Exhibit galleries, classrooms, and interactive areas.
– Accessibility improvements and ADA compliance measures.
– Sustainability enhancements for energy efficiency and waste reduction.
– Outdoor landscaping, lighting, and parking upgrades.
– Installation of furnishings, fixtures, and audio/visual equipment.
To realize this vision, IDC seeks $3 million in state funding, which will cover approximately 18.5% of the total project cost. This funding will be allocated to:
– Purchase and acquisition of the former Wells Fargo building in downtown Moorhead.
– Structural reconstruction and building systems upgrades.
– Utilities upgrades and ADA compliance.
– Environmental considerations.
Local matching funds will support the design, demolition, reconstruction, and tenant improvements, while tenant revenue and other sources will cover operating expenses.
– Building Acquisition: $2.9 Million
– Design and Engineering: $350,000
– Reconstruction and Build Out: $10.51 Million
– Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment (FF&E): $1.5 Million
– Contingency Reserve: $500,000
– Financing Fees: $540,000
– Total Project Cost: $16.3 Million
The Moorhead Cultural Mall represents a bold step towards economic empowerment, cultural exchange, and community cohesion. We invite you to join us in bringing this vision to life. Your generous donations will help build a vibrant, inclusive space that will benefit the Moorhead community and beyond for generations to come. IDC has already invested $237,000 in feasibility studies, architect fees, earnest money, building inspection, and consulting services, laying the groundwork for this transformative project.
