Fargo, North Dakota boasts a unique blend of historic and contemporary architecture. This city is home to many impressive buildings that showcase a diverse range of styles and designs.
Visitors and residents alike can appreciate the rich architectural heritage and modern innovations present throughout Fargo.
Discovering the best architectural buildings in Fargo provides a deeper appreciation for the city’s cultural and historical significance. From stunning cathedrals to cutting-edge modern structures, Fargo’s buildings tell a story of growth and creativity.
This article highlights some of the most noteworthy architectural landmarks that you won’t want to miss.
1. Plains Art Museum
Plains Art Museum is the largest art museum in North Dakota. Located in a renovated International Harvester warehouse, it sits in Fargo’s downtown district.
The museum features a wide range of collections, including contemporary regional artwork and American Modernism.
Visitors can explore over 4,000 pieces of local, regional, and national art. The museum also showcases traditional and contemporary Native American works.
Its diverse exhibitions make it a must-visit spot in Fargo for art enthusiasts. Find more details on their official website.
2. Fargo Theatre
Fargo Theatre is a standout in downtown Fargo. Built in 1926, it showcases stunning Art Deco architecture.
Its facade features red brick above a limestone base with semicircular arched windows. The large marquee is a well-known landmark.
Inside, it has a 4-manual, 32-rank Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ. The theater serves as a cultural hub, hosting films, concerts, and events.
Learn more about the Fargo Theatre.
3. Roberts Street Chapel
Roberts Street Chapel is a community space in Fargo, North Dakota. It welcomes people of all beliefs for prayer, meditation, or simply to enjoy its art.
The chapel’s inclusive design makes it a unique religious and secular haven. Its location at 333 Roberts St N connects visitors to Fargo’s downtown area.
It also features distinctive architecture, blending historical and modern elements seamlessly.
4. Bluestem Center for the Arts
Bluestem Center for the Arts, located in Moorhead, Minnesota, is renowned for its performing arts and concerts.
The center features a 3,000-seat outdoor theater, making it a key destination for arts enthusiasts.
Managed by Trollwood Performing Arts School, Bluestem is situated along the scenic Red River, offering stunning views and a unique cultural experience.
For more details, visit Bluestem Center for the Arts.
5. Rourke Art Museum
The Rourke Art Museum, housed in a historic building designed by Oscar Wenderoth, first opened as the Moorhead Federal Post Office in 1915.
This building later became the Moorhead City Office Building before transforming into an art museum in 1966. The museum now serves as a center for visual arts and culture.
It features a range of exhibitions and a unique collection, attracting visitors interested in both art and architectural history. For more details, visit their history page.
6. Fargo Civic Center
The Fargo Civic Center is a key part of the city’s architecture. The center links the Auditorium with City Hall and Centennial Hall.
A redesign added a spacious lobby with weather-sheltered circulation among the buildings, enhancing the area’s functionality.
This hub provides spaces for casual gatherings and events, making it a central element in Fargo’s civic life. Learn more about the Fargo Civic Center.
7. Hotel Donaldson
Hotel Donaldson, located in the heart of downtown Fargo, North Dakota, has a rich history. Originally built in 1894, the building served as a lodge for the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
After extensive renovations in 2003, it transformed into a boutique hotel known for its modern amenities and artistic design.
Today, it’s a cultural hub, offering exceptional hospitality and easy access to Fargo’s vibrant nightlife and dining scene.
For more details, visit Hotel Donaldson.
8. Historic Union Storage & Transfer
The Historic Union Storage & Transfer is a prominent building in Fargo, North Dakota. Built in 1930, it showcases the intricate art deco style typical of the era. The architect, William F. Kurke, designed it with great attention to detail.
The building includes the former Union Storage & Transfer Cold Storage and Armour Creamery buildings. It contributes significantly to the historic character of Fargo.
Today, it has been fully restored and offers both residential and commercial spaces. This blend of old and new preserves Fargo’s architectural heritage while providing modern amenities.
9. Sts. Anne & Joachim Catholic Church
Sts. Anne & Joachim Catholic Church is located in Fargo, North Dakota. The church boasts colorful stained glass windows and a 121-foot-tall bell tower.
Its design features a blend of Gothic elements with traditional colors and materials like marble, stone, and ceramic tiles.
The church is part of a larger campus developed by Fargo’s Catholic diocese, including a middle school, high school, and pastoral center. The rites of dedication were performed on February 11, 2010, by Samuel J. Aquila.
For more details, visit the official site.
10. Drekker Brewing Company
Drekker Brewing Company is housed in one of Fargo’s oldest buildings, originally built in 1880. The brewery’s location was a locomotive repair building and foundry. The historical site adds a unique charm to the brewery.
Visitors can enjoy a pint or flight of beer while viewing the entire brewing process. Drekker Brewing Company is known for its unique and adventurous small-batch beers, catering to a variety of tastes.
For more information, visit their website.
Historical Context
Fargo’s architecture is rich with early styles influenced by European settlers and modern styles that showcase the progress of building design through the years. These buildings help tell Fargo’s story.
Early Architectural Styles
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Fargo saw a boom in construction. Many buildings from this era show influences of Classical Revival, Gothic Revival, and Romanesque styles.
These styles, brought by European settlers, feature grand facades, intricate masonry, and detailed ornamentation.
For example, the Fargo and Southern Depot, built in 1884, is a hallmark of the Gothic Revival style. Its pointed arches and decorative elements reflect the Gothic influence.
Similarly, the historic South Engineering Building at North Dakota State University, constructed in 1907, showcases the Classical Revival style with its grand columns and formal symmetry.
These early styles set the foundation for Fargo’s architectural heritage and offer a glimpse into the city’s formative years, making them key landmarks in the city’s history.
Influence of Modern Architecture
With the passage of time, Fargo’s architecture embraced Modernism and Mid-century designs, reflecting simplicity and functionality.
Modern architecture in Fargo features clean lines, large windows, and a lack of ornamental detail. The change in style mirrors broader trends in American architecture, emphasizing practicality and new materials.
One example is the Fargo Theatre, built in 1926. Though initially designed with an Art Deco influence, later renovations incorporated modern elements, such as streamlined shapes and the use of neon lighting.
Another notable modern structure is the Barrington Apartments, illustrating the shift to contemporary design principles with minimalist aesthetics and efficient use of space.
Significant Architectural Features
Fargo, North Dakota, showcases a range of significant architectural features, from intricate design elements to notable material usage. Each aspect contributes to the unique character and aesthetic of the buildings.
Design Elements
Fargo’s architectural buildings are known for their distinctive design elements.
The South Engineering Building at North Dakota State University, for example, incorporates Gothic-Revival features such as pointed arches and detailed stone carvings. These elements contribute to its historical and visual appeal.
Another significant design aspect is the use of large windows to invite natural light.
Many buildings in Fargo utilize this feature to create open, airy spaces. Modern residential designs by firms like Mevold Studio emphasize unique shapes and forms, blending functionality with aesthetic beauty.
Material Usage
The choice of materials is crucial in defining Fargo’s architectural landscape.
Historic buildings, such as the Stutsman County Courthouse, often feature robust stone and brick, which provide durability and a timeless look.
These materials have proven their longevity over decades, maintaining the integrity of older structures.
Modern architecture in Fargo frequently incorporates steel and glass, reflecting a shift towards more sustainable and innovative building practices.
Strom Architecture is known for using these materials in custom homes, creating sleek, contemporary hallmarks.
The combination of traditional and modern materials in Fargo’s buildings not only enhances their aesthetic appeal but also addresses functionality and environmental considerations.