Moorhead EDA hears Center Avenue reconstruction update; businesses launch 'Tour to Cones' to keep customers

City engineers and economic development staff briefed the Moorhead Economic Development Authority on July 6 about a planned reconstruction of Center Avenue between 8th and 10th streets and a business-led campaign to keep customers downtown.

Clay Lexon of the Moorhead engineering department said the project is a complete reconstruction of the five-lane section and will reduce the roadway to three lanes to create room for south-side on-street parking, a north-side bike path, additional landscaping and new street lighting. Lexon said work began with removals on June 24 and that storm-sewer work was about 75% complete. He said crews encountered a small amount of contaminated material that slowed progress but that paving is intended to begin the week of July 13. "We have 90 days on the contract," Lexon said, "but we restructured incentives with the contractor and they're shooting for substantial completion in about 60 days." He said the city is installing temporary signage and wayfinding to preserve business access and is finalizing agreements with Asentia and American Square to allow overflow parking for customers.

The plan includes weekly coordination meetings with affected businesses and ongoing information-sharing with the state Department of Transportation about the adjacent underpass project, staff said.

To help merchants stay visible during the work, the Greater Moorhead Business Association launched "Tour to Cones," a social-media and events program that highlights one business each week and circulates flyers, graphics and specials. "What the heck are we going to do?" said Staca Seitzma, executive director of the Greater Moorhead Business Association. "We're going to blast social media with everything they're doing." Sean Severson of Swing Barrel Brewing said collaborative promotion gave him "hope" that downtown will remain connected through construction.

Council Member Deb White and City Manager Dan said city communications channels will amplify the campaign. White praised the effort as an example of cross-sector collaboration: "If we can reach out and share this on city social media, it will help get people down there," she said.

The city will continue to provide updates to businesses and residents as work progresses; Lexon said the contractor and staff remain focused on minimizing closures and restoring full access as quickly as feasible.

The EDA did not take formal action on the project at the July 6 meeting; staff will continue coordination and public information efforts.