Enjoy the Old Before the New

Flood walls are going up next to the Red River off of 2nd street north in downtown Fargo, but to make way for dike construction, other walls are coming down.

The noon hour hits at the Sidestreet Grille & Pub, and people begin coming in to enjoy the food and drinks. But soon, orders will have to stop.

Sidestreet along with the Howard Johnson hotel will be demolished to make way for dike construction in November. One Diversion Authority board member says it had to be done.

City Commissioner Mike Williams said, “Second street too is going to be on the dry side of that flood protection but it’s going to be moved quite a bit further east. Some of this infrastructure and some of the buildings have to taken down so we can continue that work.”

Customers say it’ll be tough to see the place go after memories have been made over the years.

Ron Strand said, “Pretty hard, unfortunately the greater need is the cities but from a personal stand point i hate to see them go.”

Sidestreet isn’t gone for good.

Cass County Joint Water Resource District bought the bar for just over $5 million and an additional $1.9 million will be used for relocating the bar to 404 4th Avenue North.

Sidestreet Manager Dave Glessner said, “We’re looking forward to the move, we’re looking forward to serving our customers at the new location. and mostly looking forward to having downtown protected by the flood wall.”

For Ron Strand who will continue to come here every week till they close the doors, he’ll stay loyal to Sidestreet.

“With the staff they have and the staff that goes over there, I think it will be just a different structure and still be home,”said Strand.

The same home, but with a different view.

Sidestreet’s Manager says that they plan to have the new location open by Halloween.