Around Town -- March 22, 2013 - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

  A major remodel in Bismarck, and some big developments in Mandan -- in this week's "Around Town."

The Radisson Downtown Bismarck has a whole new look.  The brand goes modern with amenities they say appeal to both convention-goers and hotel guests.  Even the artwork is new throughout, featuring photographs of the Bismarck-Mandan area. 

"We've been in the middle of a renovation actually since November; started finishing a lot of our sleeping rooms, almost completed with those.  We will have just a handful of those to finish next year.  We have also remodeled, last year we remodeled our ballroom and foyer area.  This year we have redone our lobby, our lounge, working on the restaurant as we speak, and also a new fitness area.  We love to have everybody come out and check out meetings, conferences, just come have a drink in our lounge or a have meal in our restaurant.  We'd love for everybody to see the new product that we have," says Lisa Hixson Moltzen, Director of Sales, Bismarck Radisson.

Spurred by construction of a Walmart Supercenter near the 152 interchange at Sunset Drive, development in Mandan north of I-94 is taking off -- and taking shape.  A Comfort Inn is set to break ground soon.  Project developers are unable to release additional details at this time, but the concept calls for an 86-room hotel.  As with locations across the country, the Mandan Comfort Inn is expected to offer free high-speed Internet access and complimentary breakfast.

While Prairie Rose Dentistry cannot confirm a new location in Mandan, signs announcing their coming have gone up.  KX is told advancing the project is contingent upon business at their two current locations in Bismarck where they offer restorative and cosmetic dental services.

Keep an eye on Mandan, as more businesses continue to check-out the area.  "It's an opportune time to be taking a look at a Mandan location when they can still get involved in the community when land costs are more economical, quite frankly, as compared to some of the other locations in the metro area," says Ellen Huber, City of Mandan, Business Development and Communications Director.

Also, "Around Town," Downtown Bismarck is getting a new full-service salon in the Gulch Block.  Bombshell Salon plans to open mid-May.  And Bismarck Airport is expected to get a new coffee kiosk concession stand on the ticketing level in early April.  More details to come. . . .