Bismarck city commissioners have given the Bismarck Parking Authority the green light to begin seeking design proposals for a new downtown parking ramp. The proposed structure would replace a surface lot owned by Sanford at Seventh Street and Thayer Avenue and could provide about 450 additional parking spaces for the public.
Why a New Ramp Is Needed
The city currently operates four public parking ramps that together offer roughly 1,600 spaces. According to the Parking Authority, demand for parking continues to rise, driven largely by the two major hospitals and several clinics that make up the downtown medical district. “The medical district, in particular, has a lot of employees that park on the streets. Not just one hospital, both hospitals, the clinics, the medical district. And that’s a growing part of town,” said Jim Christianson, chair of the Parking Authority.
Funding and Project Scope
Christianson emphasized that the project will be funded without tapping taxpayers. “We’re not going to be looking to the taxpayer to, to fund this project. It’ll be funded internally through cash flows, cash on hand, revenues, future revenues,” he explained. The authority plans to use a combination of cash reserves, revenue from partners, and possibly borrowed funds to cover construction costs, although the exact budget has not yet been determined.
Potential Mixed‑Use Elements
In addition to parking, the design plans could incorporate commercial space and a small transit hub, creating a multi‑purpose facility that supports both drivers and public transportation users. The ramp would be open to the general public rather than being limited to Sanford employees.
Next Steps
For now, the commissioners have only approved the request to solicit design proposals; no decision has been made to move forward with construction. Once design concepts are received, the Parking Authority will evaluate them and present recommendations to the commission for further action.
Impact on Downtown Bismarck
Local business owners and residents have expressed mixed feelings about the project. Some see the added parking as a boon for downtown commerce and a relief for employees who currently park on the street. Others worry about construction disruptions and the potential loss of a surface lot that currently serves nearby businesses. The authority plans to hold public meetings later this year to gather community input before any final design is selected.
Overall, the initiative reflects Bismarck’s ongoing effort to accommodate growth in its medical sector while maintaining a vibrant, accessible downtown core.
Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.
