Otter Tail County Receiving State Funds to Purchase the Westridge Mall

Photo Taken by Derek Sidian, KBRF Radio News

Fergus Falls, MN – Otter Tail County is receiving funds from the State to purchase the Westridge Mall and clean it up.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced today that it is giving over $2.7 million in grants to help drive economic development and community sustainability in four Minnesota communities with power plants that have ceased operations or are scheduled to cease operations.

Of those funds, the Otter Tail County Economic Development Agency will receive $650,000 to purchase the dilapidated Westridge Mall. The mall shares a fire suppression system with four businesses that would be subject to closing if the mall’s power were to be shut off.

DEED says the funding enables the agency to acquire the mall property, clean it up and begin the work of separating fire suppression systems so the businesses can continue to operate while the city explores and pursues long-term plans to redevelop the site.

“Otter Tail County is grateful to be awarded the DEED Community Energy Transition Grant, which will support our collaborative efforts with the City of Fergus Falls, adjacent businesses and private sector partners to pursue the redevelopment of Westridge Mall,” said Otter Tail District 5 Commissioner Sean Sullivan. “This project represents a significant opportunity to revitalize the area, drive economic growth and create a sustainable future for our community.”