The Mandan City Commission on Oct. 6, 2026, approved up to $30,000 in Storefront Improvement matching funds for exterior work at 701 Venue, 1700 E. Main St., according to the commission's draft minutes. The planned work includes paint, new signs, exterior lighting and an outdoor patio.
The Details
- What: The city staff memo lists fresh paint on the façade, new backlit signs for both 701 Venue and Chucker's Sports Bar, exterior wall lighting, new tinted concrete, landscaping upgrades and an outdoor patio.
- Cost: The memo puts the estimated cost at about $50,000. It says added landscaping costs, expected once an updated bid comes in, would bring the total to more than $60,000.
- City share: Up to $30,000, subject to final project costs and structured as a forgivable loan. The approved motion makes the money contingent on project completion, submission of final invoices and verification of eligible expenses. The memo says no funds are paid out until the project is done and staff have verified the expenses.
- Vote: The commission approved the application 4-0 on a roll call vote, with four commissioners present, the draft minutes show. Those minutes are on the commission's Oct. 20 agenda for approval.
The Backstory
The city memo says the building was built in 1976 and once housed Weeda's Cabinets. WK Partnership bought it in 2022, and it became home to Send It! 24/7 Cornhole and Chucker's Sports Bar. It has since been rebranded as 701 Venue and is used as an event space for celebrations, corporate gatherings and tournaments. The memo says the property previously received city help through the Retail Incentive Program for interior renovations and the Fire Sprinkler Assistance Program for a fire suppression system. The Mandan Growth Fund committee considered the application at its May 14 meeting and voted 5-0, with four members absent, to recommend approval. A proposal for a remodel at 1700 E. Main St. was on the Mandan Architectural Review Commission's Sept. 22 agenda, and the memo says the exterior was approved at that meeting.
What It Means for Mandan
The memo says the work is meant to improve the property's curb appeal and improve safety through better lighting. The venue's website says its event space can accommodate up to 450 people and lists cornhole, axe throwing, darts and a bar.
Before You Go
- The city records give no start or finish date for the work.
Sources: https://mandannd.api.civicclerk.com/v1/Meetings/GetMeetingFileStream(fileId=1545,plainText=false), https://mandannd.api.civicclerk.com/v1/Meetings/GetMeetingFileStream(fileId=1550,plainText=false), https://mandannd.api.civicclerk.com/v1/Meetings/GetMeetingFileStream(fileId=1524,plainText=false), https://sendit247cornhole.com/
