FARGO, ND — June 26, 2026 — EAPC Architects Engineers (EAPC) is honored to be part of the team selected to transform the Fargo Civic Center site into the future home of Fargo's new convention center, following the Fargo City Commission's vote to move forward with the Civic Center proposal.
The project represents a significant investment in Fargo's future and a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen Downtown Fargo as a destination for business, tourism, community events, and economic development. The selected plan will transform the existing Civic Center into a modern convention destination connected to downtown hotels, restaurants, businesses, and public gathering spaces.
As architect of record and a key member of the development team, EAPC has worked alongside local and national partners throughout the planning and proposal process to create a solution that balances the project's ambitious program goals with responsible stewardship of public resources.
"This is a truly important and game-changing design solution for Downtown Fargo," said Alan Dostert, President of EAPC Architects Engineers. "On behalf of our entire team, thank you to everyone that organized, studied, reviewed, and asked the hard questions throughout this process—from City leadership to the Convention Center Steering Committee. Their diligence has led to a design that will serve our community and be impactful not only for Downtown Fargo, but for the entire city."
Dostert noted that the project's downtown location has been central to the team's vision from the beginning.
"The nucleus of this design team is centered in Downtown Fargo, and every member understood the importance that a downtown location brings. Nationally and regionally, it is the right location to maximize economic impact and create a destination that supports local businesses, hospitality partners, and the broader community."
A key component of the proposal is the adaptive reuse of the Fargo Civic Center, an approach that allows the project to maximize value while meeting the facility's program requirements and budget goals.
"The spatial program and established budget presented a challenging balance," Dostert said. "Our team recognized early on that to successfully deliver the program within budget, the project needed a boost. That boost came in the form of the underutilized Civic Center, which adds an estimated $10–12 million in value to the project. It is truly a jewel in the rough waiting to be polished."
For EAPC, the project reflects years of collaboration among a highly accomplished team of local and national experts.
"This effort has been both enlightening and rewarding," Dostert added. "We've had the opportunity to learn from one another, share ideas at the highest level, and work alongside some incredibly talented teammates. Now it's time to roll up our sleeves and get to work."
Whitney Bourgois, Project Architect with EAPC, emphasized the team's commitment to creating a destination centered on people and community.
"Our focus with this project has always been on the community and people of Fargo-Moorhead and will continue to be throughout design, construction, and beyond," Bourgois said. "Each member of our team feels strongly about creating spaces for community and connection, which became a shared goal we continually returned to throughout the process."
"From the beginning, we challenged ourselves to think beyond a traditional convention center and instead create a destination that fosters connection and serves the people who live and work here every day. Through an intensive collaborative process with our expert team, committee members, and city leaders, our proposal was guided by core values of community, inclusion, and city identity. I'm excited to see that vision become reality and contribute to a project that will serve the community for years to come."
For Rodney Bischof, Director of Design Process at EAPC, the project also carries personal significance as someone who has witnessed Downtown Fargo's evolution firsthand.
"We all have our own stories about Fargo's growth," said Bischof. "I was fortunate to be among the first NDSU students to attend classes at Renaissance Hall in 2004, a project that helped spark change in Downtown Fargo. Having since lived and worked downtown, I've seen that momentum continue through hard work and vision, making it especially meaningful to be part of the team helping bring the convention center vision to life."
"I'm grateful for the thoughtful work that has gone into this effort and excited for what it will mean for our community moving forward."
The project team includes EAPC Architects Engineers, Kilbourne Group, Zander Capital Management, McGough Construction, KLJ Engineering, Heyer Engineering, Confluence Landscape Architects, VenuWorks, Folkways, Gensler, and Swap Integration. Additional planning, design, and development activities are expected to begin in the coming months as the team advances the project toward construction and eventual completion.
About EAPC Architects Engineers
EAPC Architects Engineers (EAPC) is a multidisciplinary design firm with nearly 60 years of experience, a team of 180 professionals, and 10 offices across the region. EAPC partners with communities and businesses to create impactful spaces and infrastructure that support growth and enhance quality of life. Through an integrated approach that brings architects, engineers, planners, and interior designers together under one roof, EAPC delivers thoughtful, innovative solutions to complex challenges while building lasting relationships throughout the communities it serves.––
For further information, please contact:
Emily Kinches
Director of Marketing
emily.kinches@eapc.net