Trending
WATFORD CITY -- As part of Watford City's continued progress on the redevelopment of Downtown Area 2, the city has announced the North Dakota Stockmen's Association (NDSA) as the legacy naming rights partner for Area 2-B, Stockmen's Square.
Located on the same block where NDSA was originally established, Stockmen's Square creates a meaningful opportunity to honor the organization's beginnings and legacy while celebrating the region's agricultural roots, rural resilience, culture and ranching heritage, according to city information.
With Area 2 demolition complete and construction anticipated to continue through spring 2029, the redevelopment supports long-term community growth and the continued development of visitor attractions.
The Area 2 Downtown Redevelopment Project consists of two primary components.
One component, Stockmen's Square, includes the development of an urban plug-and-play space. The space is planned to include a permanent covered stage with integrated sound, concessions, vendor utilities and flexible infrastructure to support community events and year-round use.
As part of its design, Stockmen's Square will also serve as an interactive storytelling destination, highlighting the people, places and traditions that have shaped the region. Through integrated storytelling elements, the space will preserve and share North Dakota's ranching heritage and the resilience and grit of its rural communities, while enhancing its appeal as a visitor destination and encouraging extended stays in western North Dakota.
In August 2025, the City of Watford City was awarded a $400,000 North Dakota Commerce Destination Development Grant to support Stockmen's Square.
Area 2-A, known as 210 Main retail center, focuses on the development of a two-story retail and commercial building. The proposed facility will feature ground-level retail space, with additional retail and office space on the second level. Through an integrated design, 210 Main and Stockmen's Square will complement one another, with storefronts oriented toward the square and a second-level balcony overlooking the square.
The city selected ICON Architects as the construction manager in November 2025.
The city anticipates construction to begin on Stockmen's Square in spring 2028.