WATFORD CITY, ND — As part of Watford City’s continued progress on the redevelopment of Downtown Area 2, the City is honored to announce the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA) as the legacy naming rights partner for Area 2-B, Stockmen’s Square. This partnership reflects a shared history and recognizes NDSA’s longstanding impact on the state and region. Located on the same block where NDSA was originally established, Stockmen’s Square creates a meaningful opportunity to honor the organization’s beginnings and legacy while celebrating the region’s agricultural roots, rural resilience, culture and ranching heritage.
The Area 2 Downtown Redevelopment Project is a multi-phased initiative designed to strengthen the core of Watford City’s downtown. The project will provide expanded retail and commercial square footage to support downtown business growth, along with a year-round gathering space for new events. It will also offer opportunities for residents and visitors to explore local history through self-guided experiences. With Area 2 demolition complete and construction anticipated to continue through spring 2029, the redevelopment supports long-term community growth and the continued development of visitor attractions.
The Area 2 Downtown Redevelopment Project consists of two primary components: Area 2-B – Stockmen’s Square, and Area 2-A – 210 Main retail center.
Area 2-B, Stockmen’s Square, includes the development of an urban plug-and-play space located in the heart of downtown Watford City. The space is planned to include a permanent covered stage with integrated sound, concessions, vendor utilities, and flexible infrastructure to support community events and year-round use.
As part of its design, Stockmen’s Square will also serve as an interactive storytelling destination, highlighting the people, places, and traditions that have shaped the region. Through integrated storytelling elements, the space will preserve and share North Dakota’s ranching heritage and the resilience and grit of its rural communities, while enhancing its appeal as a visitor destination and encouraging extended stays in western North Dakota.
In August 2025, the City of Watford City was awarded a $400,000 North Dakota Commerce Destination Development Grant to support Area 2-B, Stockmen’s Square. The City is grateful for ND Commerce’s support of Area 2-B and the state’s investment in this project.
Area 2-A, known as 210 Main retail center, focuses on the development of a two-story retail and commercial building. The proposed facility will feature ground-level retail space, with additional retail and office space on the second level. Through an integrated design, 210 Main and Stockmen’s Square will complement one another, with storefronts oriented toward the square and a second-level balcony overlooking the square.
The City selected the Construction Manager at Risk delivery method in September 2025, with ICON Architects selected as project architect and Construction Engineers selected in November 2025 as construction manager.
As the redevelopment progresses, bid packages will be released for future phases of work. Area 2-B will first serve as a staging area during construction of Area 2-A. Once it is no longer needed for that purpose, the City anticipates releasing the bid package for Stockmen’s Square, with construction currently expected to begin in spring 2028.
The City will look to offer retail and commercial space that supports downtown business development and aligns with the visitor-attraction mission of ND Commerce’s Destination Development Grant. It is also a priority for the City to provide experience-based retail, shopping, goods and services, consistent with feedback gathered through the 2024 Downtown Visioning Project community surveys. A competitive selection process will be used to lease the available retail and commercial spaces.
Individuals or organizations interested in being included in publicly noticed construction bid packages or through the competitive leasing process of retail and commercial office space are encouraged to contact Watford City Community Development to be placed on an informational distribution list. This request can be submitted to huntjessica@nd.gov.
For additional background on the Area 2 Downtown Redevelopment Project, please refer to the City’s previous press release (dated Dec 5, 2025)
Community Survey & Downtown Redevelopment Plan Results (dated Oct 7, 2024)
(Revised) North Dakota Awards $ 15 Million in Destination Development Grants to Boost Tourism and Community Growth (dated Oct 15, 2025)
For media inquiries or more information, contact:
Vawnita Best, Watford City Community & Business Development at vbest@nd.gov or 701-580-1862
On October 7, 2026, McKenzie Health celebrated the grand opening of its Regional Cancer Care and Prevention Center at 500 2nd Ave SW in Watford City. While the center has been open for several months, the ribbon cutting and open house gave the community a chance to see the facility firsthand. Visitors were invited to tour the building, which includes consultation rooms, a lab, infusion spaces, a waiting area, and a Renewal Garden for patients and families. Oncology services were previously offered at two separate locations, but patients can now see their provider, have lab work done, and receive infusion treatments all in one building. During the ribbon cutting for the center, McKenzie Health CEO Pete Edis said, “It has really transformed into something special and something that we hope touches the lives of those that need it.”
