Explore the Delights of Downtown Williston, ND
Historic buildings have been revitalized into great places for the arts, culinary adventures and community theater.
A stroll through downtown Williston, ND, will transport you back in time, as the city’s many historic buildings hail back to Williston’s humble beginnings as a Northern Pacific Railway stop. Now revitalized, these buildings stand as a testament to how the “City of Opportunity” continues to progress and brim with promise.
In This Article
Cooks on Main
Built in 1916, the Creaser Building at 224 Main St. has boldly stood the test of time, even surviving a fire in 1925. In 2010, this historic building became the home of Cooks on Main, a storefront and culinary center offering corporate and private events, including weddings, as well as more than 70 classes throughout the year.
“People love coming to our events to enjoy a fun and stress-free night with friends and family. We love seeing our clients learn new cooking techniques all while enjoying great food,” says owner Angela Skogen.
When Skogen opened Cooks on Main, she envisioned a space where novice and experienced chefs alike could source top-quality merchandise typically found in larger cities.
She prides herself on supporting other small businesses with a large assortment of “Pride of North Dakota” products as well as top-rated brands like Le Creuset, Wüsthof, Ankarsrum and Breville. Cooking classes offered at Cooks on Main range from Grazing Boards, Ramen and Casseroles to the ever-popular Preschool Chefs, where participants join their little ones in the kitchen.
“I truly believe that downtowns are the heart and soul of a community,” Skogen says. “I love being part of a district where people know your name and go out of their way to make your day better. I wouldn’t choose any other location for my store.”
The James Memorial Art Center
The James Memorial Art Center was the dream of 80 determined women who organized the Women’s Civic League around 1910, with the initial goal of creating a public library. When their funding efforts fell flat, the group petitioned local business owner Arthur Curtiss James, who generously agreed to fund the project as a memorial to his father, D. Willis James.
“The James is a vital part of Williston,” says Deana Novak, the center’s president.
In addition to monthly rotating art exhibits and classes, the James hosts an Art Fest every September. While this one-day festival began as a small event on the street in front of the James, it gained popularity and was moved to Recreation Park to include more vendors, children’s activities, artistic performances and a live auction.
Building rehabilitation and upkeep on the 112-year-old James is ongoing. The basement kitchenette was recently renovated to enhance its functionality. The upper windows are awaiting much-needed custom storm windows to help make the building more energy efficient and to protect the inner historic windows from weather damage. Novak is working on grants and soliciting donations to have new lighting installed in the upstairs kitchenette and classroom.
Old Armory
The history of the Old Armory is the history of the community. Located at 320 First Ave. E., the Armory was built in 1915 as a training facility for Company E.
Its first public event was a homecoming for soldiers returning from World War I.
The distinct medieval-inspired architecture of the Armory evokes strength and security. Over the years, the building has served as a home for soldiers and thespians, playing host to traveling theater groups, political rallies, high school commencements, dances and even an auto show in the 1920s, when a ramp was built to allow automobile access into the building.
Today, it is a community theater, operated by Entertainment Inc!, a nonprofit founded in 1981 to provide entertainment to the community.
Originally established as a choral group, Entertainment Inc! continues to delight audiences with a selection of plays and musicals, including “Diary of Anne Frank,” “Our Town,” and Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Twelfth Night.” It also offers theatrical education for adults and children interested in exploring the performing arts.
Books on Broadway Celebrates 30 Years
Chuck Wilder has seen several changes in downtown Williston over the past 30 years, but one thing has remained the same. The owner of Books on Broadway is still doing business in the store’s original location.
“We remain at 12 ½ W. Broadway in a part of downtown Williston that has an especially nice atmosphere,” says Wilder, a lifelong Williston resident.
Books on Broadway was started in 1993 by Wilder’s late wife, Robin, who always wanted to own a bookstore. When Robin died in 2000, Chuck assumed the full-time operation.
“We have a coffee bar in the bookstore, so I open Monday through Saturday at 8 a.m. and close at 5:30 p.m.,” he says. “Saturday is our busiest day, and I also open Sundays from 1 to 5:30 p.m.”
Wilder says he has seen many changes in Williston, especially since the oil boom arrived around 2010.
“Prior to the boom, the average age in Williston was about 55, and now, the age is around 30,” he says. “Today, there are many more young professionals and young families. In fact, our children’s section at the bookstore has grown from two small shelving units to 10 full shelves.”
Wilder anticipates more growth for the downtown area, especially with the vacated Sloulin Field International Airport property being redeveloped into Williston Square, which is located a few miles from the district. City officials are planning to sell several of the old airport’s 800 acres to developers for commercial and residential projects, and those developments will attract even more people to the district.
“We have also formed a Williston Downtowners Association, and the downtown now has a farmers market, a Summer Nights on Main concert series, an Art & Wine Walk and much more,” he says. “Most of downtown Williston is filled with vibrant businesses, and I enjoy being part of it all.”
– Staff Writer Kevin Litwin contributed to this article.
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