What's New in 2023?
A LOT happened downtown in 2022, so it may not look like you last remember! New businesses have opened, buildings have started construction, new events were enjoyed, and so much more!
Here are 8 things that may be new to you going into 2023!
1. Grand Rides became FREE!
With the help of a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, Grand Rides Bike Share became a 100% free program to use in 2022. We wanted to increase the accessibility and usage of this program so everyone can use this awesome service. In 2022, we had 544 riders and 3,744 rentals! We can’t wait to see what we can do with free Grand Rides in 2023!
2. Town Square Improvements
In 2022, the DDA was awarded a $100,000 Lowe’s Hometown grant to help improve Town Square! We added new lighting, musical instruments, coats of paint, and so much more to enhance this beloved community gathering space. We hope to see you here in 2023 so you can see these awesome changes!
3. The First-Ever UND Homecoming Pep Rally in Town Square
With an office full of football fans, the DDA thought the best way to celebrate UND’s Homecoming Week was with a pep rally in Town Square! We had a blast welcoming students, families, and the Pride of the North Pep Band downtown last year for this awesome community celebration!
4. Olive Ann Hotel
The construction of The Olive Ann Hotel broke ground this past year and has a projected open date of Fall 2023! The Olive Ann will feature 79 luxurious guest rooms, valet parking, a state of the art gym, and so much more! We can’t wait to be able to stay downtown!
Photo Credit: JLG Architects
5. Jalen Nicole Floral
Flower power! In 2022, Jalen Nicole Floral opened on Demers Ave downtown! Jalen Nicole Floral is a couture floral and event styling business offering florals for events, small arrangements for friends, and more! Stop by her shop downtown to check it out!
Photo Credit: Jalen Nicole Floral
6. New Lights on 3rd Street
Downtown got brighter last year with new cafe lights installed on S 3rd St and more Bd light pillars installed on N 3rd St! Lights like these give downtown that friendly warm glow while you walk to dinner, events, or to shop!
7. Lotus Yoga Downtown
Namaste! Now you can get a workout in downtown too! Lotus Yoga opened a new studio location downtown on Demers Ave! Along with regularly scheduled yoga classes, Lotus Yoga provides tons of fun events such as Wellness Workshops, Mimosa’s and Yoga, and so much more! See you at a class or event downtown this year!
Photo Credit: Lotus Yoga
8. Bernie’s
With creative creations like “The Bernie” and “The Beany Briny Salad” you’re sure to find something new and delicious at Bernie’s for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or linner! Food Network show host Molly Yeh opened Bernie’s in Fall of 2022 in downtown East Grand Forks which features Midwestern- and Scandinavian-inspired food in a beautiful cafe setting like no other!
Photo Credit: Bernie’s