Game Changer # 3: Riverfront Hotel
The Big Idea
Market research indicates that the Bismarck market has room for a mid-size upscale hotel that would become a premier hospitality destination in a setting unique to North Dakota. A hotel overlooking the Missouri River would create a beautiful setting for special events such as weddings, business gatherings, conventions, and similar happenings. To take full advantage of the setting, the venue could also house a restaurant, a small amount of retail, tourism related office space, and event spaces. The hotel should be branded authentically, representing themes unique to North Dakota and the great plains region. In doing so, this hotel could become an ideal launching point for North Dakota based regional tourism. A shuttle service from this venue could offer direct linkages to Medora, the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, Lake Sakakawea, and the many Cultural and Historical tourism destinations in Central North Dakota and the Northern Plains National Heritage Area.
Redevelopment of this area would also allow for the expansion of Steamboat Park into a premier riverfront public beach accessible to anyone with or without a boat. The new Steamboat Park concept includes 4 acres of public beach or greenspace and 5 public park shelters. The parks adjacency to the Hotel creates a great amenity for both residents and visitors to the community.
Existing Site Conditions
The site proposed for the hotel is immediately adjacent to Steamboat Park on land that is owned by the City of Bismarck and currently being held for any potential expansion needs of the water treatment plant. A facility needs assessment should be performed to understand the longterm expansion needs of the water intake facility before this concept could advance. The site currently has rolling terrain, much of which is overburden from the original construction of the railroad and bridge. This overburden would need to be removed and the site regraded to accommodate the proposed improvements.
Proposed Site Conditions
A realignment of River Road onto City of Bismarck land would allow for the expansion of Steamboat Park and the development of a commercial parcel reserved for the hotel. The resultant building pad would be approximately 14’ above the 100 year floodplain elevation. An expanded public beach, public parking, and park shelters would create an amenity for residents and hotel guests alike. Over 6 acres of land would continue to be reserved for the water intake facility expansion needs. Underground parking is provided for hotel guests and a public surface parking lot is provided for the public beach and park shelters.
Conceptual Architectural Floorplans
The Recipe
100 to 130 rooms.
5,000 to 7,500 square feet of event space.
2,000 to 3,000-square foot indoor/outdoor ballroom.
20,000 to 25,000-square foot footprint to accommodate lobby, event space, restaurant, and destination center.
Full-service kitchen.
Outdoor patio/terrace/rooftop with signature vistas.
Unique and authentic lobby space.
Aesthetic, art and exhibits with ties to North Dakota.
Space for live music.
Trend forward entertainment (golf simulator or other).
Art gallery.
Underground parking for +100 spaces.