The Kassenborg Block

This photo from American Institute of Architects-ND website. Click the photo to visit the website.  The Kassenborg Block was honored with a Merit Award in 2011

Geline's brother Andreas purchased the Douglas House and adjoining land and erected the building known as the "Kassenborg Block" at the corner of 4th and Main in Moorhead in 1898.

The Douglas house is a two-story wood frame structure that was built in 1872. It is the oldest home in Moorhead. Douglas was the city's first postmaster and first Probate Judge. He also helped establish Moorhead's second school and launch a steamboat line.

Architect W. H. Merritt, whose firm was responsible for the construction of the Moorhead Post Office and most of the city's early churches, drew up the plans and oversaw construction of the Kassenborg Block.

Prior to renovation, the Kassenborg block was the long-time home of Kirby's bar

After the new Main Avenue bridge connecting Fargo and Moorhead was completed, Moorhead commissioned a major redevelopment project that included renovation of the Kassenborg Block.  The block is the largest historic commercial building left in the city. Both the Kassenborg Block and the James Douglas House are eligible for listing on the National Register.  The refurbished building and Douglas House were dedicated at a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 16, 2006.  A Kassenborg reunion was held in conjunction with the dedication. 

As part of the redevelopment, Kassenborg Apartments were constructed between the Kassenborg Block and the Red River.

Click Here for audio of the news story aired on WDAY-TV in Fargo