Community Foundation, Knight Foundation to connect downtown and UND campus
The Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks & Region and the Knight Foundation have taken the first steps to creating a stronger and mutually-beneficial connection between the University of North Dakota campus and Downtown Grand Forks.
The organizations have retained JLG Architects to perform a study of the University Avenue corridor from North 3rd Street to Columbia Road. The study will look at transportation strategies, real estate development and zoning, and streetscape improvements along the corridor.
“This is a time of exciting, unprecedented construction for the University and Downtown,” said Becca Bahnmiller, executive director of the Community Foundation. “There is no better opportunity to complement the ongoing Downtown Action Plan and campus master plan so as to bring positive relationship building for generations to come.”
The study will kick off in Summer 2019, and the Grand Forks community will be asked to participate in the planning and provide feedback. An online survey will launch in the coming weeks.
About the Community Foundation
The Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks & Region was established in 1998 as a nonprofit community foundation created by and for the people of the region to encourage a spirit of philanthropy. Working in partnership with individuals, families, businesses, and trusted advisers, the Foundation manages over 100 charitable funds and provides grants to qualified nonprofit organizations and causes. With approximately $10.5 million in assets, the Foundation has granted over $6 million to date to create stronger, more vibrant communities across the region.
About Knight Foundation
Knight Foundation is a national foundation with strong local roots. It invests in journalism, in the arts, and in the success of cities where brothers John S. and James L. Knight once published newspapers. The Foundation’s goal is to foster informed and engaged communities, which it believes are essential for a healthy democracy. Learn more at kf.org.