Live at The Black
Ready to build your dream home in the sky? Capturing spectacular 360-degree views of downtown Fargo, the Black Building merges modern luxury and Art Deco elegance. From the main floor’s historic mezzanine to the sixth, seventh, and eighth-floor luxury suites, Kilbourne Group’s latest endeavor is anything but ordinary. Today, these spaces are built-to-suit, awaiting the unique vision of its owners, complete with a custom fit-up and high-end finishes by local homebuilder, Heritage Homes. To experience the elevated 1930 architecture, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties’ REALTORS® and Luxury Collection Specialists Mari Santoyo Perry, Maureen Bartelt, and Amber Carlton took us on a walk in the clouds, capturing the beauty of Broadway and miles of tree-lined horizon.
Story by TRACY NICHOLSON | Photography by DAN FRANCIS + MEG MAKI PHOTOGRAPHY
Historical images provided by KILBOURNE GROUP | Drone photography by JAKE SIIRO, SIIRO GRAVITY MEDIA
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties REALTORS® & Luxury Collection Specialists, From Left: Mari Santoyo Perry, Maureen Bartelt, and Amber Carlton
The Black is Back
Rest assured, The Black is back, in all its 95 years of glory. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Black Building was once considered the tallest building in North Dakota, first envisioned by George M. Black and masterfully constructed by T.F Powers & Co.
Today, it has made a triumphant return thanks to an eight-story renovation by Kilbourne Group and JLG Architects, a team that set out to celebrate its history and preserve the building’s original terrazzo, ornate elevator doors, marble baseboards, and iconic mezzanine. The Black has restored the building to its original prestige and storied silhouette anchoring downtown Fargo’s vibrant streetscape — now opening the door to five levels of professional/retail space and three ultra-elevated levels of living.
The Black’s built-to-suit suites span floors six through eight, offering secure building access and endless customization opportunities — everything from full-floor ownership to one-bedroom floorplans. All three floors are ready for personalization by as few as three or up to 9 fortunate owners, with access to uniquely tailored luxury finishes by Heritage Homes and The Black’s exclusive owner and street-level amenities.
Tyrone Leslie, President/CEO, Heritage Homes & Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices - Premier Properties
Sky-High Style
Wrapped in expansive windows reminiscent of the original intricate cast-iron frames, each floor is a blank canvas exuding elegance and awaiting its owner’s artistry. The suites’ extraordinary 360-degree views extend from the streetscape of Broadway Square and the historic Fargo Theater to the treetops of Harwood and Dilworth — adding miles of skyline, from city to country. Further capturing the view, residents have the option to add private outdoor balconies at the sides of the building, creating a premium, sky-high retreat.
The team at Heritage Homes will be working one-on-one with owners to customize and define each suite, personalizing the space to each homeowner’s specifications and distinct lifestyle. “Our goal for our design department is to sit down with the owners, get to know them, and create what their vision of that particular
home is going to be,” said Tyrone Leslie, President/CEO of Heritage Homes & Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices - Premier Properties. “It’s coming with all upper-end products, of course, but what they do with that will be what makes each individual suite unique. We’re starting with great inclusions, then we’re taking it to wherever the customer wants to go.”
Take a Tour
Need help envisioning what this wide-open space could be? Schedule a tour and head to the sixth floor, where Heritage Homes has taped out the floor plan designs that maximize the space, additionally providing full-color renderings that include potential layouts, finishes, and furnishings.
“I think the biggest opportunity in these suites is that they are fully customizable at this point,” said Santoyo Perry. “A lot of people buying downtown are pigeonholed into a specific layout or size, but right now, we have 8,000 square feet available per floor. If someone is interested in buying the whole floor, there is a ton of flexibility right now. As owners move in, we will be a bit more limited with the square footage.” Owners can also choose to select their own contractor, within reason, working alongside Heritage Homes managing the process.
“We are very close to our first reservation, and they’ve requested additional space, so we are able to make those adjustments very easily. The fact that it’s raw space, someone could conceivably take half that unit and turn it into a one-bedroom,” explained Bartelt. “Obviously, the first owners also get to select their two underground parking spaces, and some of those spots have additional space for storage in front of them.”
Fun Fact
The Black’s top floor was once the infamous home of WDAY Studios. As part of the lease agreement, WDAY would sign on the airwaves with “This is WDAY in the Black Building, Fargo.”
Un(Common) Amenities
The Black owners share exclusive access to the fifth-floor community room, featuring a stunning rooftop terrace for gatherings, outdoor grilling, or private rental. Owners also have access to a state-of-the-art fitness center and on-site/indoor pet grooming and pet relief stations. The building has rented cell phone towers on the rooftop, which then becomes applied income credit to the owners’ HOA.
Kilbourne Group’s vision has been focused on returning the Black Building to its rightful place in Fargo’s history, as an anchor of the downtown restaurant and retail district. Their ultimate goal is a destination that celebrates local, authentic offerings and uniquely Fargo experiences.
“With what Kilbourne Group is doing, including the amenities on the brand-new primary floors, it’s just a really unique opportunity for people,” said Santoyo Perry. “I love that Kilbourne Group is being very particular with the tenants on those first floors,” added Carlton. “It’s ensuring each business or retailer is a good fit for the unique Art Deco vibe and history of the building.”
Location, Location, Location
Just outside the front door, residents at The Black can walk to downtown’s 41 dining hot spots, 75 unique boutiques, and several artisanal coffee shops, historic landmarks, and cultural events, including iconic holiday parades, Broadway Square concerts/ice skating, and the beloved Red River Market.
“With suites on six, seven, and eight, owners have unobstructed views from every angle,” added Leslie. “You don’t have train tracks right behind you or other potential issues. This location is unparalleled; you get a great view of the activity, but with all new windows, it’s also very quiet.”
At The Black, owners are provided skyway access, two underground parking spots, and a private locked storage unit beneath the former Scan Design storefront, along with proximity to five parking ramps. The building also provides a convenient alleyway entrance to a secured key fob garage, ensuring safe and seamless arrivals and departures. The building’s skyway connection leads to the Fargo Civic Center parking ramp and is a two-minute walk to the Roberts Commons Parking Garage.
Priced to Preference
With the possibility of three or up to 9 total suites, Heritage Homes’ floorplans range from 2,030 square feet to 8,000 square feet for an entire floor. Pricing at The Black starts around $1,225,000 for a 2,030-square-foot suite, adjusted for custom finish selection, side balcony additions, select amenities, and expanded layouts. Connect with Santoyo Perry, Carlton, or Bartelt to learn about the Property Tax Remodeling Program, along with The Black’s to-be-determined taxes and special assessments.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
The Black
118 Broadway, Fargo, ND
theblackfargo118@gmail.com
blackbuildingfargo.com
Amber Carlton
701.640.8326
acarlton@bhhspreproperties.com
Maureen Bartelt
701.388.7738
mb@bhhspreproperties.com
Mari Santoyo Perry
701.729.6275
mari@bhhspreproperties.com
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties
1815 38th St S, Fargo, ND, 58103
701.356.3600
bhhspreproperties.com