Moorhead EDA recommends Renaissance Zone support for Essentia Health clinic

The Moorhead Economic Development Authority on July 6 recommended that city council approve Essentia Health’s Renaissance Zone application to renovate the former Wells Fargo building into a multi-service Morehead Clinic.

Essentia representative Carrie described the three-floor redevelopment: the first phase will house family medicine and urgent care, radiology, laboratory services, a retail pharmacy and physical therapy; future mezzanine and third-floor space would be expanded as needed to host community partners. Staff materials in the EDA packet reported total private reinvestment at about $8.66 million, which amounts to roughly $245 per square foot on the 35,500-square-foot building. The application requests a 15-year property-tax exemption staged at 100% for years one through five, 75% for years six through ten and 50% for years 11 through 15.

"This is going to be an all-service clinic for people in Moorhead," Matt said during the presentation. Council Member Deb White said she was "excited" about the project and praised Essentia’s early work on landscaping and property upkeep near downtown. "Having this come to our downtown... having a medical facility right there for people is going to be great," White said.

The EDA is a recommending body; members voted to forward the application to the Moorhead City Council for a public hearing scheduled July 13. White moved to approve the staff recommendation; commissioners seconded and Amy conducted a roll-call vote with all listed commissioners voting yes.

Construction is expected to start in September with targeted completion in spring 2027, according to staff. The EDA packet includes cost and square-footage figures; the council will review the full application and hold the public hearing on July 13.