NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Nate Haskell, Senior Program Manager
email: nateh@nwmf.org
January 16, 2024 (Bemidji, MN) – Twelve businesses and organizations in Bemidji will receive nearly $1.2 million in grant support with funds approved by the Northwest Minnesota Foundation through the state’s Minnesota Main Street Economic Revitalization Program.
The Northwest Minnesota Foundation (NMF) had previously been awarded more than $2.1 million by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development to support revitalization projects in three specific corridors, including one in Bemidji, for the repair or renovation of property, building construction, landscaping, streetscaping, demolition and site preparation, and related site improvements.
Some awarded projects were previously announced but adjustments have since been made to funding awards. This release specifies the final allocations.
$1,177,391 has been approved for the following 12 projects in Bemidji:
- $300,000 to Greater Bemidji, Inc. for a toward site and building development of a wellness center at the Railroad Corridor site on the south side of downtown Bemidji. The wellness center will include two ice sheets, zero-entry kids pool, lazy river, fitness center, classrooms and a multi-purpose recreation center..
- $195,000 to 4th Street Lodge for exterior repairs and a full interior remodel of the building formerly occupied by the Elk’s Lodge.
- $180,000 to the Boardwalk Minigolf & Snack Shack for an addition of an enclosed dining area. This will allow the restaurant and bar to be open year-round.
- $140,000 to Greater Bemidji, Inc., for an elevator and rooftop replacement in the Mayflower Building.
- $120,000 to St. Philip’s Catholic Church to help fund renovations for a new child care center with 30 child care slots.
- $65,802 to Bemidji M&M Properties for a catering kitchen space and rooftop repairs to the downtown building where Fozzie’s Smokin’ BBQ is located.
- $59,850 to Dream Blue LLC to fund interior improvements to a building that houses a restaurant and office space; a new sprinkler system is needed to complete the improvements.
- $45,300 to Opportunities In Science to fund improvements for the Headwaters Science Center building. The improvements include the build-out of exhibit space and remodeling of its bathrooms to become ADA-compliant.
- $30,000 to the Northwest Indian Community Development Center for exterior improvements, including landscaping, updating the parking lot, refreshing the exterior, and adding signage to be more visible to the community.
- $25,500 to SCIMED Properties for an exterior facelift, new windows, and repairs to roofing to a downtown Bemidji building currently occupied by the Lash Call with six rental units above.
- $9,039 to Local 303 Co. for improvements to the building that is the home to the Rail River Folk School. Work will include electrical, plumbing, an expansion and addition of a kitchen facility and two bathrooms.
- $6,900 to Bemidji Brewing for external paint and timber treatments, and internal upgrades for customer experience and safety.
