Confluence,Inc.

This project represents a massive investment in building a stronger sense of community in Downtown Fargo. As part of the large Block 19 mixed-use development containing ground floor retail/restaurants, anew signature hotel, and upper floors of condominiums and office space, Broadway Square provides a signature flexible destination space for the public to enjoy located directly in the heart of the Downtown District.

This project transformed an existing surface parking lot and small pedestrian plaza space into a large public plaza featuring hardscape and landscape amenities that appeal to those working, visiting and living in Downtown Fargo. The plaza features extensive site furnishings and seating options, a fountain element for the summer months, and a large plaza space with a stage structure and integrated lighting, sound and electrical service to allow the plaza to host numerous festivals and events of all shapes and sizes.

This space has quickly become the "go to” spot for locals wanting to enjoy Downtown’s atmosphere and offerings and is the spot residents take their friends to brag about what’s new and happening in their community. It’s also become home to a signature outdoor ice skating rink in the winter months, which extends these and appeal of the space as a year-round destination.

The team of Landscape Architects led a multi-disciplinary team to design and implement Broadway Square. This included managing the design and coordination efforts with that of the adjacent building design team, while also engaging the City of Fargo during the design process to work through logistics of various events, infrastructure needs, and streetscape elements that blend this project into the surrounding downtown context.

The community has quickly adopted this space as Downtown's front yard, and a series of programmed events is held throughout the year to activate the space and drive additional attendance and economic development in the surrounding blocks of downtown. Events include musical performances, ice skating lessons and hockey tournaments, summer yard games throughout the space, areas for food trucks to support weekday lunchtime and weekend events, and a variety of festivals and community gatherings.

This project has also highlighted the importance of landscape architecture’s contribution to making Downtown Fargo a cool place to hang out and enjoy time with friends and family. It has revitalized the heart of the Downtown District and catalyzed additional investment in revitalizing several nearby storefronts and buildings.