Convention Space: "A Clear and Present Need," Says Bismarck Com - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

A "clear and present need."  That's what Bismarck City Commission says about expanding the Civic Center.  So they've agreed to move forward.  However, the Commission will also continue to look at building an event center on the North side of town.  They say they can do both.

"The merging of two rather polarized philosophies into a win-win could be a convention center in our downtown and an event center in the North.  I think that could be a very bold vision for our community," says John Warford, Mayor, Bismarck City Commission.

"With excitement look to the future and be forward-thinking.  So this is a very exciting time in our community and I hope we can all look at it in that manner," says Brenda Smith, Bismarck City Commissioner.

"Our clear and present need is we have to expand our current convention capacity and meeting space.  Period.  We must.  That being said, we have a very unique offer that was presented to the citizens and voters of Bismarck," says Mike Seminary, Bismarck City Commissioner.

After further study, the Commission hopes to put the Northside event center idea on the ballot by November of 2014.