Hi g h l i g h t s o f Bi s m a r c k , M a n d a n a n d L i n c o l n
BISMARCK-MAGAZINE.COM
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FALL 2026 | VOLUME 11 ISSUE 3
YOUR VISION. OUR EXPERTISE. BUILT TO LAST. Every project starts with someone’s vision. Our job is to deliver it on time, on budget, and built to last. Ten years. Hundreds of projects. From offices to restaurants to retail, we treat every owner as a partner from the first conversation through the day you open your doors. We pay attention to the details. We stand behind our work. And we do what we say we’ll do. We’re proud to partner with those who share our commitment to building stronger communities, together.
DAIRY QUEEN DICKINSON
POP’S SODA SHACK - FARGO
ENLIGHTENED EYECARE FARGO
L.A. FORMAL & PROM GRAND FORKS
CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF BUILDING GREAT COMMUNITIES
2 BISMARCK MAGAZINE | FALL 2026
greatstates.com | 701.205.4717 | info@greatstates.com
PROUD TO HAVE BEEN PART OF THIS GRAND OPENING 10 YEARS AGO AND SO MANY OTHERS THROUGHOUT OUR 41 YEARS IN BUSINESS!
BISMARCK-MAGAZINE.COM
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All Proceeds Support the Center for Urology at St. Alexius
Join us at our annual fundraiser Saturday, September 19th 5:30 until the stars 4 BISMARCK MAGAZINE | FALL 2026 come out!
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CONTENTS
10 31:8 Project 12 Alchemist Tattoo
10
10 Years of Business
10 iconic local businesses and non-profits are celebrating 10 years of operating. Find out what inspired their start, their milestones throughout the decade, and what they hope to achieve next.
14 Backyard Escapes 16 Bismarck Magazine 18 BittyBean Coffee 20 The Capital Gallery 22 The Bismarck Larks 26 Luxe Salon & Spa 28 ND Country Fest 30 Proximal50 32 Update on Downtown 34 Catholic Charities ND
6 BISMARCK MAGAZINE | FALL 2026
Volume 11 Issue 3
Fall 2026
Bismarck Magazine is published four times a year and is complimentary. Copies are available across the Bismarck, Mandan and Lincoln communities or online at bismarck-magazine.com.
PUBLISHERS
Hannah Haynes hannah@bismarck-magazine.com Caroline Crary caroline@bismarck-magazine.com
LAYOUT EDITOR
Jenna Kluting
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Cloudwatcher
COVER PHOTO
Precious Film Co.
CONTRIBUTORS
Maria Brezny
COPY EDITOR
Jennifer Kranz
ADVERTISING
info@bismarck-magazine.com
Printed in the USA
Bismarck Magazine Corporation, Copyright 2015 Bismarck Magazine and bismarck-magazine.com. All rights reserved. This periodical cannot be reproduced without the written permission of Bismarck Magazine. Bismarck Magazine will not be held responsible for any errors found in the magazine. Bismarck Magazine Corporation accepts no liability for statements made by advertisers.
PUBLISHERS
LETTER
Ten years ago, Bismarck Magazine began with a simple idea: to highlight the incredible people in our community, celebrate the businesses and their successes and be the biggest cheerleader of the “Small Town Growing City” of Bismarck Mandan. Now, a decade later, we get to celebrate 10 years of Bismarck Magazine and many more businesses that started in 2016, and we know all of us wouldn’t be here without this community. For our annual Business Issue, we wanted to celebrate this milestone alongside some of the businesses that have grown with us. Inside these pages, you’ll meet 10 local businesses also celebrating 10 years. Different industries, different stories and different paths, each one representing the entrepreneurial spirit that continues to move our community forward. Reaching the 10-year mark is something to be incredibly proud of. In a world where businesses are constantly changing, growing and adapting, making it a full decade is no small accomplishment. It represents thousands of hours of hard work, plenty of challenges, big leaps of faith and, most importantly, the support of a community that continues to believe in these local businesses. That’s why celebrating alongside 10 other businesses that have also reached this milestone feels especially meaningful. Over the last decade, we’ve had the privilege of telling thousands of local stories. We’ve watched businesses open their doors, families put down roots, neighborhoods grow, and ideas turn into something lasting. Through it all, Bismarck Mandan has continued to show its support. To every advertiser who has trusted us with their business, every person who has allowed us to tell their story, every location that has carried our magazines, and every reader who has picked up an issue over the last 10 years—thank you. Bismarck Magazine has always been about more than a publication. It’s about celebrating where we live and the people who make it what it is. Here’s to the businesses, the dreamers, the doers and the community that made our first 10 years possible. Cheers to 10 years, Bismarck Mandan—and to the next 10!
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BISMARCK-MAGAZINE.COM
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31:8 PROJECT
S T O R Y : M A R I A B R E Z N Y | H E A D S H O T : C L O U D WAT C H E R
Modern day slavery or human
now provide mentorship and case
trafficking is a well-hidden, often
management for adult survivors of
invisible crisis that affects almost
human trafficking throughout the state
every community. Trafficking has
of North Dakota, the only organization
always existed in North Dakota, but
to serve that demographic specifically.
during the oil boom it became a
As Stacy looks to the next decade,
problem that became impossible to
she hopes to grow their Human
ignore as it grew increasingly visible. It
Trafficking Summit into the premier
was then that Stacy Schaffer stepped
Midwestern conference, continuing
up to combat the rising problem
to educate. She also hopes to open
through the creation of 31:8 Project.
more locations to enable her team to better serve survivors of human
Stacy’s passion for victims of human
trafficking no matter where in the
trafficking developed from her passion
state they reside. As the past ten
for human rights. While she learned
years have shown, however, there
about slavery when she was younger,
are many possibilities for how the
she had no idea that it still existed
agency could continue to grow.
in a modern setting until 2006. This discovery led her to Guatemala where
More information can be found
she encountered her first case of
at www.318project.org
human trafficking, a girl named Anna who the 31:8 Porject was able to rescue and provide with a safe place to live. “I’ve never forgotten about Anna,” Stacy says. “Anna is the heart of why 31:8 Project exists.” 31:8 Project was initially started to spread educational awareness on human trafficking, but in the ten years since its founding, the organization has exponentially grown. They
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BISMARCK MAGAZINE | FALL 2026
10 YE ARS IN BUSINESS
S TA C Y S C H A F F E R , FOUNDER AND E XECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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YOU E NVISION THESE THINGS BUT WHEN Y O U S TA R T OUT, IT SEEMS S O FA R AWAY , SO WHE N YOU A C T U A L LY HIT THE MILESTONE, IT’S SUPER E XC I T I N G , B U T AT T H E SAME TIME, IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE." BISMARCK-MAGAZINE.COM
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A L C H E M I S T TAT T O O
S T O R Y : M A R I A B R E Z N Y | H E A D S H O T : C L O U D WAT C H E R
In the ten years since its opening,
with a staff of 12-14 people, seven
Alchemist Tattoo in Downtown
procedure rooms, tattoo and piercing
Bismarck has gained a reputation as
services, and the largest body jewelry
one of the best places for tattoos and
collection in the tri-state area.
piercings. With knowledgeable and friendly staff, every client who walks
The next ten years promise more
in feels confident they are in the best
growth for Alchemist with future goals
of hands and leaves with something
like being open seven days a week,
beautiful.
expanding the team, owning their own building, and continuing to give
Chris Dobransky and Simeon Nelson
back to the local community.
first opened Alchemist Tattoo January 9th, 2016 in a small location up north
More information can be found at
and only offered tattoos. When Aileen
www.alchemisttattoo.com
Fritz, a friend of Chris and Simeon, moved back to Bismarck, she rented a space from them before buying into the business, bringing her body jewelry expertise to the shop. After only a couple years, Alchemist Tattoo had grown exponentially, and they moved into their current downtown Bismarck location. “Downtown has been so good to us,” Aileen says. Alchemist has only continued to grow
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BISMARCK MAGAZINE | FALL 2026
10 YE ARS IN BUSINESS
CHRIS DOBRANSK Y AND AILEEN FRITZ, OWNERS (NOT PICTURED, SIMEON NELSON)
" " “OUR TE AM IS I N C R E D I B LY E D U C AT E D , AND I THINK W E H AV E LE ARNED A LOT FROM THEM.”
BISMARCK-MAGAZINE.COM
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B A C K YA R D E S C A P E S
S T O R Y : M A R I A B R E Z N Y | H E A D S H O T : C L O U D WAT C H E R
Backyard Escapes started by chance amidst the busyness of everyday life. Jason and Denise Kerner were both working full time jobs with two kids and a third on the way when they thought about installing a backyard pool. After looking into pools locally, Jason felt there had to be better options, and after doing research on his own, he discovered fiberglass pools. With a background in general construction, Jason decided to attempt installing one himself in their backyard. “It was a bit of a learning curve, but it was fun,” he says. Soon, the Kerners had friends reaching out requesting Jason install a pool in their backyard. With a few successful projects under his belt, Jason decided to attend a home show and advertise his work. The first year saw six bids, the next twelve, and the company has only continued to grow from there. Jason went fulltime with the company after a couple years, bringing his brother-in-law on right away as well. “He said, ‘If you quit your job, I’ll quit my job and come work with you,’” recalls Jason. Denise joined a few years later, helping with office management. Each project Jason takes on receives his full attention and care. Small mistakes at the beginning create large, expensive problems later on, and he wants to ensure a pool is a relaxing addition to your backyard. With this in mind, Jason and Denise are considering how to accommodate the ever growing demand without sacrificing quality. The next ten years are full of possibilities for this growing company. More information can be found at backyardescapesbykernerpoolsandspas.com
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BISMARCK MAGAZINE | FALL 2026
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10 YE ARS IN BUSINESS
JASON KERNER & DENISE KERNER, OWNERS
“THE FIRST COUPLE YEARS WERE MORE D I F F I C U LT T O SELL A POOL BECAUSE T H E R E WA S A ‘NOT IN NORTH D A K O TA ’ AT T I T U D E , AND WE KIND OF CHANGED PEOPLE’S MINDS. I FEEL LIKE WE WERE AN INTEGRAL PA R T O F CHANGING THE RESIDENTIAL POOL L ANDSCAPE IN NORTH D A K O TA . BISMARCK-MAGAZINE.COM
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BISMARCK MAGAZINE
S T O R Y : M A R I A B R E Z N Y | H E A D S H O T : C L O U D WAT C H E R
When you have passion for your
four magazines: Bismarck Magazine,
community, a deep friendship, strong
Mandan Magazine, River + Ranch,
worth ethic, and an entrepreneurial
and Badlands Bride, and readership
spirit, you can make something
and recognition has grown, even onto
incredible. Hannah Haynes and
a national level. What has remained
Caroline Crary started Bismarck
the same, however, is their mission
Magazine ten years ago, freshly
and approach. Each magazine’s issue
graduated from the University of Mary,
is carefully curated to showcase
sharing two things in common: a love
hidden gems of the local community.
of the community and a desire to own their own business. “We were super
The pair expressed their
excited about Bismarck. Bismarck
appreciation to the community
was our oyster,” describes Caroline.
for supporting their dream over
From this came the idea to showcase
the past ten years. “To see
the best of Bismarck/Mandan/Lincoln
the community rally behind
through a magazine crafted by two
two young women was
people who love the community and
really awesome and really
call it home. “At 22 and 23 we dove
rewarding,” says Hannah.
right into building something for the
“I love when people tell us
community,” Hannah explains. “We
how much they love the
loved Bismarck Mandan so much, so
magazine.”
we thought we could make a career out of showcasing that.”
More information can be found at www.bismarck-
The very first issue came out in March 2016 and highlighted iconic Bismarck Mandan businesses, entrepreneurs, artists while also sharing their lesser known whys and hows. Ten years later, Bismarck Magazine has grown. Hannah and Caroline now publish 16
BISMARCK MAGAZINE | FALL 2026
magazine.com
10 YE ARS IN BUSINESS
CAROLINE CRARY AND H A N N A H H AY N E S , O W N E R S / PUBLISHERS
"
“ W E F E LT L I K E BISMARCK HAD A LOT G O I N G O N T H AT WA S N ’ T B E I N G SHOWCASED A N D WA S A R E A L LY C O O L CITY, AND WE THOUGHT PEOPLE NEEDED TO KNOW ABOUT IT.”
BISMARCK-MAGAZINE.COM
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BITTYBE AN COFFEE
S T O R Y : M A R I A B R E Z N Y | H E A D S H O T : C L O U D WAT C H E R
Service-focused, BittyBean’s mission
customers, and their community.
is more than serving great coffee.
“This isn’t just a job. It’s a mission,” he
Their tagline, “Expect More From the
says. “We’re a part of this community.
Everyday” encapsulates their goal for
It’s not just making coffee.” The
everyone who comes through their
team at BittyBean is always trying
line to experience service that makes
new products, new recipes, new
a lasting positive impact.
promotions, and new marketing to stay creative and continue to grow.
The story behind BittyBean started
With this in mind, the future holds
in Watford City where the Mindeman
many exciting opportunities for
family owned a catering company.
BittyBean including hopefully a sit-
“We loved hospitality and making
down cafe where they can finally
food for people,” explains Durant
show off their latte art and create
Mindeman. When the family made
a place full of positivity, hope,
the move to Bismarck, they looked
and good coffee.
into buying the property on which BittyBean stands today. The site
More information can
had already housed several different
be found at www.
coffee companies over the years, and
therussianolivecatering.com
poor management had made people distrustful. “It took a while to gain the community’s trust,” Durant explains. “We showed people we were here to stay by being consistent and having a quality product.” Now, ten years later, BittyBean is a beloved daily coffee spot for many in the community. Durant credits much of their success to their intentional effort to stay engaged with their store, their 18
BISMARCK MAGAZINE | FALL 2026
10 YE ARS IN BUSINESS
DURANT MINDEMAN, CO-OWNER AND MANAGER
" " “ W E WA N T PEOPLE TO L E AV E H A P P I E R AND BETTER THAN WHEN THEY CAME.”
T H E C A P I TA L G A L L E R Y
S T O R Y : M A R I A B R E Z N Y | H E A D S H O T : C L O U D WAT C H E R
The Capital Gallery was originally
On exhibit right now at The Capital
conceived as a branch of the Lewis &
Gallery is Chad Ziemendorf’s works
Clark Interpretive Center in Washburn.
which you can view through the
The Center had brought in popular
end of September. October 20th
artists in the past, so to both support
will be the gallery’s Annual Art Gala.
the Center’s mission as well as answer
November through December will be
the demand for art, The Capital
a photography exhibit. The Gallery is
Gallery was opened in Bismarck in
continuously hosting new and exciting
November of 2016.
exhibitions telling the story of North Dakota’s artistic landscape. “There
A year after its founding, the gallery
are still amazing things we can
became its own non-profit and the
put together,” Marcus says. “It
state of North Dakota took over the
still feels like a brand new gallery
Interpretive Center. The Capital Gallery
every time.”
has been operating under the same mission since, to celebrate the art,
More information can be found
history and culture of North Dakota
at thecapitalgallery.com
and the Northern Plains, and create opportunities for local artists. “We were really the first business in North Dakota to bring the fine art gallery focus to local artists,” says Marcus Christianson, executive director. “We’ve been trying to bring that to North Dakota and give us a national focus.” Since opening, the gallery has hosted over 100 artists and had over 60 feature exhibitions, most of which have been local North Dakota artists.
"
10 YE ARS IN BUSINESS
MARCUS CHRISTIANSON, E XECUTIVE DIRECTOR
“ARTISTS FROM NORTH D A K O TA H AV E N E V E R R E A L LY BEEN ABLE TO MAKE A FULL CAREER AS AN ARTIST IN N O R T H D A K O TA . THEY’VE A LWAY S R E A L LY HAD TO LOOK OUTSIDE… WE’RE TRYING T O B R I N G T H AT TO NORTH D A K O TA A N D GIVE US A N AT I O N A L FOCUS.”
THE BISMARCK L ARKS
S T O R Y : M A R I A B R E Z N Y | H E A D S H O T : C L O U D WAT C H E R
What started as a dream between
state of North Dakota, a nonprofit,
two best friends has turned into a
and an events company here in
Bismarck summer tradition. John
Bismarck,” says Rob. “Our company
Bollinger and Rob Williamson
is now pushing 50 employees.”
both attended the same college in
Rob recalls the opening night of
Missouri and dreamed about what
the inaugural season. “The stadium
their future could hold. “We always
at that time was 1,600 people and
joked in college, what if we started
the line was wrapped around up
a business together and then had
Washington to get into the stadium.
houses together on a golf course,”
We were sold out,” he says. “That
recalls John. 18 years later, they may
was my okay, this is happening, we
not yet have their houses on a golf
did it, moment.” Every season’s
course, but they have founded one of
opening night since has been sold
Bismarck’s most iconic companies,
out.
the Bismarck Larks. Dedicated to the community, John Bollinger was working for the
every decision is motivated
Northwoods League in Kalamazoo,
by the Lark’s passion for
MI when the owner of the league
community building. “What’s
offered him the opportunity to start a
going to drive the next ten
team in Bismarck, ND. Excited, John
years is how we create
accepted and immediately called Rob
innovative, immersive
to offer him a job. Rob initially turned
experiences that connect,
him down, but after visiting John and
celebrate and give back
seeing what the league was all about,
to our community,” says
Rob changed his mind, and the two
John.
packed up their lives and moved to Bismarck.
More information can be found at
From there, the Bismarck Larks has
northwoodsleague.
grown exponentially. “Today, our
com/bismarck-larks
company has four teams across the 22 BISMARCK MAGAZINE | FALL 2026
10 YE ARS IN BUSINESS
"
I T WA S J U S T THIS PERFECT MARRIAGE OF NEW IDE AS, CONCEPTS A N D E N E R GY WITH, WE R E A L LY N E E D SOMETHING FUN AND DIFFERENT.”
JOHN BOLLINGER, OWNER AND CEO ROB WILLIAMSON, TE AM PRESIDENT
F U N STA RT S H E R E .
FEATURING: That 60’s Band, Anonymous Phenomenon, Backstage Pass, and many more!
BUCKSTOP JUNCTION 3805 E. BISMARCK EXPRESSWAY
BISMARCK, ND
Free Family Activities, Food and Craft Vendors & More! Bring a bag chair! 24 BISMARCK MAGAZINE | FALL 2026
bismarckcancercenter.com
The Capital Gallery in Downtown Bismarck is celebrating 10 years of bringing art, history and culture to the BismarckMandan communities. Walter Piehl is the featured artist of the 2026 Annual Art Gala auction and fundraiser on October 20, 2026. Plan now to attend! Visit our website at: thecapitalgallery.com for tickets and details about sponsorship opportunities. Iceman: Sweetheart of the Rodeo by Walter Piehl Open Tues-Friday, 10 am-4 pm & Sat, 11 am-3 pm thecapitalgallery.com • 701.751.1698 109 N 4th St, Bismarck, ND 58501 Celebrating Art, History, and Culture
L U X E S A L O N A N D S PA
S T O R Y : M A R I A B R E Z N Y | H E A D S H O T : C L O U D WAT C H E R
For ten years, Luxe Spa & Salon has
and have made an impact on so many
specialized in beauty and relaxation,
other guests’ lives.”
offering a wide variety of services including hair coloring, styling and
Leadership comes with many different
care, manicures and pedicures,
highs and lows, and throughout her
facials, massage, and more. Megan
time at Luxe, Callie has come to
Bender started Luxe in 2016, laying
view change in a whole new light.
the foundation for what Luxe is
“Sometimes turnover can feel icky
now ten years later. In 2018, Callie
or like a break up,” she describes.
Schiermeister joined the team and
“I have learned to look at it like a
quickly fell in love with the team and
season, to steward what God gave
environment at Luxe. Three years later,
me this season the best I can and
Megan asked Callie to be a co-owner.
know that if they are leaving, they
Now, in 2026, Megan has decided to
are leaving for a reason… and to
step back, and Callie is now the sole
know they are able to go and do
owner of Luxe. “I learned so much
what they are because of the
from her as a leader,” Callie says.
start they had.”
“She really took me under her wing.”
More information
One of the more unique aspects of
can be found at
owning a salon and spa is helping
luxebeautiquesalon.com
the staff who work for you grow their own business, one of Callie’s favorite parts of her job. “The most rewarding part of this is getting to lead a team in some way,” says Callie. “I’ve gotten to work with so many amazing women who are phenomenal in this industry
26 BISMARCK MAGAZINE | FALL 2026
10 YE ARS IN BUSINESS
"
CALLIE SCHIERMEISTER, OWNER
“THE R E L AT I O N S H I P S WE BUILD H O P E F U L LY I M PA C T E D T H E M I N S O M E WAY , WHETHER THEY ARE WITH US NOW OR WERE WITH US FOR A SE ASON.”
BISMARCK-MAGAZINE.COM
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ND COUNTRY FEST
STORY: MARIA BREZNY | HE ADSHOT: PROVIDED
Growing up in North Dakota, Brandon
and a crew filmed the festival and
Ralph and Luke Shafer recognized
interviewed artists for CMT Hot 20
the need the community had for
episode. For Brandon, watching the
nationally produced and recognized
festival grow into what it is today has
musical events. For most of their life,
been incredibly rewarding. “Seeing
in order to attend a major concert
it grow year after year and seeing
or music festival, they had to travel
the smiles on people’s faces and the
out of state. “We thought, why can’t
comments from the community has
North Dakota have something like
been unbelievable,” he says. With
that?” says Brandon Ralph. From this
the next decade, Brandon hopes
question grew real possibility, and
to see more growth by expanding
after partnering with Luke Shafer, the
the guest experiences, VIP club
duo hosted the very first ND Country
structures, and sold out shows
Fest in 2017 in New Salem.
full of country fans.
Today, ND Country Fest is the
More information can be found
state’s largest country music festival,
at www.ndcountryfest.com
welcoming over 75,000 fans from over 40 states and parts of Canada. Their next show, scheduled for July 7-10, 2027, will celebrate the festival’s tenth anniversary and welcome country stars like Old Dominion, Lee Brice, Hudson Westbrook, and Joe Nichols. The festival has even gained national attention, when in 2024, Cody Alan
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BISMARCK MAGAZINE | FALL 2026
10 YE ARS IN BUSINESS
BRANDON RALPH, CO-FOUNDER AND CO-OWNER
"
“IT IS VERY HUMBLING TO BE A PA R T O F SOMETHING T H AT I S BIGGER THAN YOURSE LF.”
BISMARCK-MAGAZINE.COM
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PROXIMAL50
S T O R Y : M A R I A B R E Z N Y | H E A D S H O T : C L O U D WAT C H E R
Proximal50 is more than just a gym;
trying to make good humans that
it encompasses a wellness clinic,
learn to move for the rest of their
physical therapists, group fitness
life,” Tana explains. The next dream
classes, personal training, a gym,
for Tana is opening satellite locations
and more. Tana Trotter, owner,
by selling equipment and teaching
opened Proximal50 with the goal
their program, so even smaller, rural
of offering more comprehensive
communities can have access to the
wellness, building off her physical
life changing experiences offered
therapy background and leaning
through Proximal50.
into her belief that fitness and health cannot be achieved with a quick fix
Over her ten years since starting
gimmick. Now, ten years later, Tana
Proximal50, Tana has learned to
says she can see the long-term vision
keep working hard through the
coming to fruition. “It’s exactly what I
inevitable ups and downs of
envisioned,” she says. “You don’t get
entrepreneurship. “I’ve learned
that satisfaction in one year because
that when it’s bad it won’t
our way you have to implement this
last forever, and when it’s
for five years, and make it a habit,
good, it won’t last forever,”
but now it’s easy to see how your life
she explains, “so I’m just
changed because of this.”
bobbing with the waves and not crashing when it’s bad
In the last year and a half, Tana has
and not getting an ego
expanded her Divide location and
when it’s good.”
now offers athletic performance training, offering an opportunity for
More information can
young athletes to train in a way that
be found at proximal50.
will not only help them now, but in
com
twenty years down the road. “We are
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BISMARCK MAGAZINE | FALL 2026
10 YE ARS IN BUSINESS
PROXIMAL50 TA N A T R O T T E R , O W N E R
"
“A LOT OF W H AT G O T PROXIMAL50 C R E AT E D WA S M Y F R U S T R AT I O N WITH H E A LT H C A R E AND FITNESS GIMMICKS.” BISMARCK-MAGAZINE.COM
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U P D AT E O N D O W N T O W N B U S I N E S S
The Downtown Business Association
Bismarck has generated over 6.3
Residents: In the past 12 years,
of Bismarck, best known for The
million visits in the last 12 months.
downtown housing has grown
Downtowners Street Fair (be sure
Up 4% year over year, 4.2% year
residential units by 50% (includes
to swing by September 18-19),
over two year, and 5.7% year over
senior housing, micro housing),
has the longest serving staff of all
three year. An increase despite
and workforce housing by 200%
Downtown Associations in the state
about 10 weeks of road construction
(housing that has no income or age
of North Dakota. Dawn Kopp serves
along Main Ave in the summer of
requirement). This is more housing
as the CEO of the Association. Kate
2026. Peak times for visits are
in Downtown Bismarck than in the
Herzog serves as the COO of the
10am-8pm, peak day of the week
past 45 years. With residential
Association. Together they have over
visits occurring on Fridays.
occupancy rates consistently full.
downtown Bismarck is lucky to have
Sundays Tell A Story of Downtown
Permits: In 2025, 146 permits for
their level of talent behind us doing
Housing: 10 years ago, Sundays
work within the downtown zoning
so much behind the scenes work to
were sleepy Downtown. Then a
areas accounted for over $31
make Bismarck a great place to live
concerted effort to build housing
million in construction activity.
and work.
downtown and engage the Monday
The Neighborhood Reinvestment
- Friday workers who were off
Initiative to revitalize or add value
The Downtowners purchased
Saturdays and Sundays began to
to older homes Bismarck-wide has
Placer.ai two years ago and have
grow. Overall, Sunday visits to
seen just shy of $1.8 million dollars
been utilizing that data ever since.
Downtown are up 24.1% up year
in applications for the low interest
Placer.ai is a cloud-based location
over three year. With the addition
loan program in these first 3 years
intelligence and foot traffic analytics
of Sunday Socials at Trestle,
of the program. The average home
platform. It analyzes anonymized
brunch locations, and the bars and
value of the program applicant
mobile device data using machine
restaurants leading the charge. This
is 223k, keeping older and more
learning to track how people move
shows that residents and visitors are
affordable housing stock in good
through and interact with physical
stopping downtown to have brunch,
condition.
spaces, helping professionals in
drinks, or just enjoy the downtown
real estate, retail, and city planning
vibe. Restaurants have responded
Bismarck Event Center: Covid
evaluate consumer behavior.
to having residents nearby and we
rebound at the Bismarck Event
now have more businesses open
Center shows a 20.1% increase
Downtown Zoning Districts: Using
Sundays and more open to families
year over three year, with peak visits
Placer.ai shows that Downtown
and all ages.
to the venue occurring October-
37 years combined experience and
32
BISMARCK MAGAZINE | FALL 2026
May. Look for that upward trend to continue as the City of Bismarck and its new operator Oak View Group get a full year under their belt. “The goal for the Downtowners Association is to create an 18 hour a day, 7 day a week neighborhood. A district that encompasses residents, visitors and workers. 20 years ago we knew we needed residents to create a complete neighborhood ecosystem, and there are now more people living downtown than in previous decades. The next 20 years will be building more residential opportunities, knowing that those residents support businesses and spend dollars near their Downtown home, creating that Downtown ecosystem that supports itself.” Says Kate.
D AW N K O P P , C E O & K AT E H E R Z O G , C O O BISMARCK-MAGAZINE.COM
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Serving North Dakota with Compassion and Hope. Guided by faith and grounded in compassion, Catholic Charities North Dakota serves individuals and families through life’s most challenging moments. We offer support, resources, and hope to all, regardless of background or belief. Catholic Charities North Dakota (CCND) was founded in 1923, known then as the Catholic Welfare Bureau. For more than a century, the agency’s mission has remained the same: serving the most vulnerable through compassionate, comprehensive human services. Today, the organization focuses on five core service areas: adoption, guardianship, pregnancy and parenting support, counseling, and community resources. Through these services, the organization brings hope, support, and healing to individuals and families across North Dakota.
Catholic Ch
Adoption services and pregnancy and parenting support make up a large portion of CCND's work. The organization helps expectant mothers create adoption plans, assists families pursuing domestic and international adoption, supports families adopting children from the foster care system, and provides ongoing support to birth parents and adoptive families after finalization. Their goal is to ensure every child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe, loving, and permanent home.
harities Ads For women who choose to parent, CCND provides education, emotional support, referrals to community resources, and access to essential supplies. "We want to be there to support women," explains Alyssa Yanish, director of marketing for CCND. One of the organization's newest programs is Community Resources. A Community Resource Coordinator helps connect individuals and families throughout the state with local organizations and services that can meet their unique needs. While the program can provide limited financial assistance, such as gift cards for food and other necessities, its greatest value lies in helping people connect to available resources within the community.
Counseling is another vital service offered by CCND. Licensed counselors provide professional support across a wide range of specialties, helping individuals, couples, and families find healing, growth, and hope. The organization also offers guardianship services, assisting individuals and families when a person is unable to make certain decisions independently because of age, illness, or disability. The work of CCND strengthens communities across the state by ensuring that vulnerable individuals and families receive the care, support, and resources they need. With offices in Bismarck, Minot, Fargo, and Grand Forks, as well as virtual services and remote staff, the organization serves people in every corner of North Dakota.
Community support makes this work possible. One of the best opportunities to get involved is Giving Hearts Day on February 11, one of CCND's largest fundraisers. The organization celebrates the day with fun events while raising critical funds that directly support client services and programs. "We love how the community comes together," says Alyssa. To learn more about CCND and its services, visit the organization's newly updated website at www.catholiccharitiesnd.org.
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