WILLISTON, ND ( KXNET ) — An 800-acre piece of land is being transformed into one’s city’s focal point — there are several ins, outs, and roundabouts within the Williston Square project.

The Williston Square project dates back 10 years when the current Williston Airport opened, the city commission envisioned a one-stop-square to take replace the old airport grounds.

“You’re going to have housing in there, restaurant, retail, commercial,” explained The City of Williston’s City Administrator, Shawn Wenko. “You’re going to have medical facilities in there, and you’re going to couple that with the new way of living which is the live, work, and play.”

The project began when Wenko was working in the Economic Development office. He’s since transitioned into the City Administrator role. He says the project is so large, it probably won’t be complete while he is in his current position.

One of the largest additions in the $70,000,000+ project is Sanford Health’s new medical facility. The space will also include senior and single-family homes, grocery stores, Parks and Recreation spaces, and so much more.

The next step in the 10-15 year project is road construction around the square, in order to make it functional, which is set to start in 2025.

“The next step that we are looking at is providing more connectivity with the Highway 2 corridor,” said the City of Williston’s Engineer, David Juma. “So, we’ve been working with the Department of Transportation for the last six years now to put together that project, redesign, and improve the functionality of the intersection at Highway 2, 26th Street, and 2nd Avenue.”

This redesign could add $38 million to the overall investment of the project, pushing it past the $100 million mark.

Leaders say if taxpayers vote ‘yes’ to the renewal of the 1% sales tax on the June primary ballot, people could get even more out of the square though.

“Everything’s in place, so continue to support the state of North Dakota, but more importantly, the citizens of Williston,” said Williston Mayor, Howard Klug. “And this sales tax is one way of doing it — it’s worked well for us for the last 10 years.”

“If the sales tax referendum passes, then we will be looking at doing the quality of life items also,” said Juma. “One of those is the indoor rink and convention center. Which will then spur more interior roads to the Williston Square.”

Several spots inside the square have already been spoken for, including a new elementary school, thanks to the passing of the recent bond referendum.

The square will continue to develop gradually through the years, and two businesses are already open. Leaders say Slim Chickens and Genesis Clothing are just the start of the massive quality of life project, which has been a long time coming for the city.

“You probably saw 50-70 years of growth over the last 10-15 years and a lot of that was due in part to the oil and gas activity,” said Wenko. “Now, we look at what I call the second-generation boom. This is the largest redevelopment project in the history of the city of Williston. When it’s done it’s going to be extremely nice. but it’s going to take some time.”

Leaders expect Taco Bell to be the next business to open up in the square next year.

They also say, that if anyone has an idea or a vision for a project inside the square, contact the economic development office.

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