FARGO (KFGO-AM) - Purchase of the Park East Apartments on 2nd Street south in Fargo is nearly complete. The apartments will be demolished later this year to make way for a large earthen levee which will be part of downtown flood protection.
Eric Dodds of AE2S, the engineering and consulting firm hired to handle the buyout, says closing could be completed June 15th, a month sooner than expected. 90 the 122 apartments are now vacant. Most of the more than 200 tenants have been relocated as part of the purchase agreement. Those remaining have until July 15 to move.
Before being leveled, the Fargo Fire Department will use the building for rescue training and Habitat for Humanity will be allowed to salvage useable items.
Dodds says it's one of the largest acquisitions they've handled.
NDSU student Shawn Klaseus says moving out has not been a big deal for himand his two roomates. Their lease isn't up but are being allowed to leave without a penalty. He says it was a great place to live and he credits management with running a good operation, including an on site caretaker, available 24 hours.
The Cass County Joint Water Resource Bistrict is buying the property for $9 million. Demolition will start this fall. Levee construction is set for 2016.