From The Williston Wire, January 15, 2015

Williston: A major construction project in Downtown Williston is on track to open this fall. Renaissance on Main, a mixed-use building with retail, office, and apartment space, is located at the corner of 2nd Street and Main Street. Project officials say they have received a lot of interest in the property from both new and current retailers.

Watford City: After Diane Gariety and Pamela Scott (Holm sisters) were gifted land from their brother, Rick Holm, a little over two years ago, the sisters decided to donate some land for a school, a softball complex and soccer field, and for essential workforce housing in a new residential development being planned on the north side of Watford City. "We are donating the land because we want to give back to the community," says Gariety. "It's a time of growth here, and we want to be a part of it." One of the largest donations will accommodate The Homestead, a 720-acre master planned community.

Watford City: Home of Economy hopes to open a new store in Watford City in February. The store will be located in the space currently occupied by Alco in the South Park Plaza. "We will be 90 percent work wear and boots," said Scott Pearson, CEO of Home of Economy. "The best sellers of our products will be in the store and everything we carry will be available by special order. So, if you like something in one of our other stores, we can get that item shipped to the Watford City store.

Bismarck: A Bismarck-led development group has plans for a downtown apartment and retail complex with attractions geared toward young professionals. Bismarck Futures' housing development will not only include 300 to 400 "chic" studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. There will be health spas on the main level with potential attractions, such as a 30-foot climbing wall, boutique dining options and other things developer Don Cardon said will make the next generation want to move to Bismarck.

Sidney, MT: The Sidney City Council has granted Final Plat Approval for Phase 1 of The Homestead Subdivision, a 28-acre land parcel zoned for both Residential and Commercial development in Sidney. "As the only existing approved subdivision of its kind within the immediate area, the Homestead Subdivision features both a "Commercial Park" and a "Residential Park" each with shovel-ready lots that are available for immediate development," said Don Sterhan, President and CEO of Mountain Plains Equity Group.

Williston: The City of Williston is calling for residents to show support for the so-called "surge" bill at the 64th North Dakota Legislative Session this Friday. "Attendance speaks volumes and we want to show legislators that the approval of the surge bill is extremely important to the growth needs of western North Dakota," said Shawn Wenko, Williston Economic Development executive director.Wenko spoke about the bills during a Williston Stakeholders meeting recently. The Senate Appropriations Committee will hold a hearing for Senate Bills 2103 and 2126 on Friday, January 16th beginning at 8 a.m.