Lexstar Development & Construction

Carol Johnson, general manager of Fargo’s Ramada Plaza & Suites, likens the experience of undertaking a massive remodeling project while keeping the hotel open for business to putting together a moving puzzle, constantly planning, shuffling and scheduling construction while keeping guests happy and comfortable.

The payoff for the logistical hassle: a top-to-bottom makeover that revamped everything from the guest rooms to the pool to the hotel’s 23,000 square feet of conference space. The project, which took 15 months to complete and cost

$2.5 million, aims to bolster the Ramada as one the region’s premier conference destinations.

The renovation, unveiled last week, was a detail-oriented undertaking – the new carpeting was custom-made for the Ramada, the poolside lounge got more palm trees, and even the electrical outlets in guest rooms were repositioned based on guest feedback.

The hotel also ramped up its ability to host a wide range of themed gatherings and events, from Caribbean-inspired retreats to weddings where the drinks are colored to match the bridesmaids’ dresses.

“We can pull off any type of event with any type of food,” Johnson said. “Every event has to have that ‘wow’ factor.”

Norman Leslie, president of National Hospitality Services, a Fargo-based company that owns the Ramada, said staying relevant in the event market is key for the hotel because it’s one of the biggest conference hotels in the Upper Midwest between the Twin Cities and Washington state.

A number of area hotels have moved to renovate in recent years – both to make long-due updates and to keep pace with other renovations. Moorhead’s Courtyard by Marriott is in the midst of a $3 million renovation project, while work is under way on a substantial renovation of the Radisson in downtown Fargo.

Next on the agenda for the Ramada: A redesigned restaurant and lounge. The current restaurant, Basie’s, is an upscale steak-and-seafood joint that offers live music. Johnson said she couldn’t yet discuss what changes are in the works, but said they’re coming soon.

Other changes include new televisions, new workout equipment, and beefed-up amenities for business travelers. Johnson said the ultimate goal is to make the hotel a one-stop shop for visitors.

“Once people are here, they really don’t need to go anyplace,” she said. “People don’t mind getting stranded here during the blizzards.”

The offices for Lexstar Realty and Lexstar Construction have moved to Capital Square! We're excited to be in our new location and we're enjoying the amenities that Capital Square offers. Our new address is: 1555 43rd ST S, suite 105, Fargo, North Dakota, 58103. Our phone numbers remain the same. Feel free to stop by and check out our new space!

Dr. Michael Lillestol has announced plans to open a two-building medical office complex in south Fargo for independent physicians and other health care specialists.

The complex will be in Capital Square, an eight-acre, five-building commercial condominium development being built by Lexstar Development and Construction along 43rd Street South between 15th and 17th avenues.

Lillestol, who is president of the Heartland Independent Physicians Network, said he expects to provide space for up to 20 physician groups.

A 15,000-square-foot building will potentially house three large offices, each having two to three physicians, he said.

“It all depends on who might be in a particular building and how big their group is,” Lillestol said.

Additional office space for up to 10 physicians will be in an 8,000-square-foot retail center that is part of the Capital Square complex, he said.

Lillestol expects the complex to attract local physicians. “I don’t know that we are going to be recruiting physicians outside of Fargo,” he said.

Lillestol said his vision is to provide primary health care and sub-specialties, including family practice medicine, pediatrics, women’s health and urgent care.

An on-site pharmacy, dental care and research offices are also a possibility, said his wife, Mary Lillestol, a registered nurse and vice president of Lillestol Research LLC.

“We plan to have a central lab and X-ray facility to serve patients in those physician offices,” Michael Lillestol said.

“Mike has always dreamed of getting a lot of independent doctors together in one location,” his wife said.

Construction is expected to begin this month, said Robert H. Leslie, president and CEO of Lexstar Development and Construction. “The first building will be ready in eight months and the second building two months later,” Leslie said.

Work will begin soon on other segments of the Capital Square business plaza.

“We have four clients leased up in building number 1 should start construction in 10 days,” said Kelly Parrett, Lexstar Sales Director and Property Coordinator.

Readers can reach Forum Business Editor Craig McEwen at (701) 241-5502

Leah Dohrmann is the newest addition to the Lexstar team. She is responsible for fulfilling a wide range of administrative duties that are critical to the efficient and effective operation of Lexstar. Leah provides support to all members of the Lexstar staff. She recently graduated from Dickinson State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a minor in Marketing.

Fargo, North Dakota: Lexstar Development & Construction has appointed Arleen McKay to the position of Controller. McKay, a Certified Public Accountant, is responsible for the day-to-day overall financial operation of the company and its related entities, including preparing and analyzing financial statements, developing and monitoring budgets, and overseeing accounts receivable and accounts payable.

McKay holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from North Dakota State University. She was previously employed by KBW Associates, Freedom Resources and Untied Way.

Lexstar Development & Construction is a full-service construction and development company, providing a comprehensive range of design, construction, development, financing and on-going management services. The company also is the originator of the Design for Success™ program.

Fargo, North Dakota: Comfort King Mattress Factory broke ground today for a new building to be constructed at 4523 23rd Avenue South, Fargo, which is the location of WestPointe Centre. In addition, Comfort King announced that Lexstar Development & Construction designed the new facility and has been selected to serve as general contractor for the project.

The new facility, due for completion in August 2007, will comprise nearly 10,000 square feet. Approximately three-quarters of the space will house Comfort King’s retail store and its production operations, which consists of custom-building sleep sets in any standard or specialty size and shape to match each customer’s needs. The remaining one-quarter of the space is available for lease to another retail enterprise.

Chris Larson, co-owner of Comfort King Mattress Factory, said, “We are tremendously excited about our new building, which will allow us to continue to grow our business, providing high-quality, custom-made, economically priced mattresses with an exceptional guarantee.”

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