679 - The Hive
This historic photo shows the Hive Building in downtown Grand Forks, ND, a striking brick structure with a corner tower, arched windows, and ornate architectural details, reflecting late 19th-century design.
The Grand Forks Herald moved to this location in 1931 from its first building on S. Third Street. It is one of only a small number of commercial buildings constructed during the Great Depression and was the only example of Art Moderne architecture in the downtown district. The original structure facing N. 4th Street is clearly defined by the four fluted pilasters rising from the ground to the roofline. A second building was added to the rear in 1949, and another harmonious addition to the south side in 1959.
Badly damaged in the catastrophic flood and fire of 1997, the new north side addition was imbued with symbolism to reflect the City’s spirit of resilience. The clock tower is tipped with a spire which stands 97 feet from the ground to the top, commemorating the year, 1997.
In the rotunda of the new entrance on 2nd Avenue, the distance from the floor to the ceiling is 54 feet, marking the highest flood crest level measured, and the floor of the rotunda was inlaid with pattern of 19 radial in a blue and red color scheme. Nineteen recalls the date of inundation which was April 19th, the blue symbolized the flood water and red for the fire that swept through downtown. Eleven buildings were lost including the newsroom and offices of the Herald. The two historic buildings were saved from destruction.
In recent years, the Grand Forks Herald moved to its third home and the City took ownership of the building. Now called The Hive, it is a unique technology incubator and business accelerator for UAS innovation furthering the City’s interest in and support for autonomous systems sector.