Party interested in potentially buying Columbia Mall includes some locals, Mayor Brandon Bochenski says
Locals are in the mix to buy Columbia Mall, the mayor says
On weekend afternoons, the parking lots along 32nd Avenue South still fill with shoppers, walkers, and families heading in for errands or a food-court break. That routine might look different down the road: a party with “some local involvement” is exploring a purchase of Columbia Mall, Mayor Brandon Bochenski said this week, according to the Grand Forks Herald.
The mayor’s comment signals a possible shift for one of the city’s best-known gathering spots — and a corridor many UND students, military families, and long‑time residents frequent — but nothing is final. Bochenski’s remarks point to interest, not a completed deal, the Herald reported, and no buyer has been publicly identified yet.
What we know so far
Here’s the headline detail: There is interest in buying Columbia Mall, and that interested group includes local investors, per the mayor’s remarks reported by the Grand Forks Herald. As of now, there’s no announced sale agreement and no public timeline.
City officials have not released additional details, and the identities of potential buyers have not been disclosed, according to the Herald’s reporting. That means normal operations and tenant arrangements continue unless and until ownership changes — if you’re planning a visit, check individual store hours ahead.
Columbia Mall’s footprint on the 32nd Avenue South retail corridor makes any ownership change a citywide conversation. Many residents think of it as a central, familiar stop near South Washington Street and Columbia Road, with quick access to the UND campus and the Alerus Center area.
What a sale could mean for Grand Forks
If a deal moves forward, new ownership could look at everything from updated storefronts to a different mix of uses — retail, food, entertainment, or even non‑retail options common in mall redevelopments. Any significant changes to land use or building plans in Grand Forks typically go through Planning & Zoning review and City Council hearings, per the City of Grand Forks development process (see the city’s site for current procedures).
For workers and small businesses in and around the mall, a transition could bring both uncertainty and opportunity. A locally involved ownership group might prioritize keeping decisions and dollars closer to home, though the specifics will depend on what a buyer proposes and what pencils out.
What people are saying
Bochenski characterized the local angle as part of the interest — not a done deal — and emphasized that details aren’t ready for public release yet, according to the Grand Forks Herald. No additional statement from Columbia Mall’s current ownership or management was immediately available on official channels; check ahead for updates.
The Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce often tracks business investment activity and provides context for members; look for any chamber notes or forums if a formal proposal surfaces. Neighborhood and business associations along 32nd Avenue South also tend to weigh in when corridor changes are discussed publicly.
How to stay informed and weigh in
• Follow City Council agendas and meeting packets on the City of Grand Forks website — public items related to property sales, zoning, or redevelopment plans typically appear there ahead of discussion. You can also watch council meetings via the city’s livestream; check the site for times.
• Keep an eye on reporting from the Grand Forks Herald for deal updates, and on the Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce for any business‑community briefings.
• If you have questions or feedback, contact the Mayor’s Office or your City Council member through the city’s contact portal on grandforksgov.com. If you’re a tenant or nearby business, consider connecting with your landlord or business association to stay coordinated.
What to Watch
Look for a formal sale announcement, if one comes, and any filings that would trigger Planning & Zoning or City Council review. If a buyer outlines redevelopment, expect public meetings where residents and businesses can weigh in on traffic, layout, and tenant mix. We’ll update as soon as the city or potential buyers release confirmed details.
