EPIC Companies Featured in Prairie Business Magazine

BRINGING COMMUNITIES TOGETHER WITH DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT

How do you bring a community together with design and development? At EPIC Companies—an investment, management, and development firm based in West Fargo—it’s all about using an innovative approach and commitment to enhancing the quality of life for those who live, work, stay, and play in these communities.

“Giving people an option to do something was really our mantra because a lot of people crave that social interaction and that essence of coming together was really a priority for us,” said McKenzy Braaten, EPIC Companies’ Chief Communications Officer.

EPIC Companies, in their pursuit of enhancing communities, focuses on creating mixed-use developments with buildings that form the foundation of live-work-play-stay communities. EOLA in Fargo is one of EPIC’s current lifestyle community projects that, when completed, will offer an outdoor public park with a water feature, walking leisure paths, youth activities, art/culture, a natural playground and so much more. In addition, the project will also include the newly developed The Wave by EPIC Waterpark Resort, a more than 50,000-square-foot indoor waterpark.

It’s communities like these, with diverse amenities and offerings, such as green spaces, parks, hotels, condos, bars and restaurants, that generate a vibrant and inclusive environment where you can truly experience it all in one place. “We see a huge benefit to those residing in these spaces, including a sense of community, friendships with their neighbors, and convenient access to events that foster a strong social fabric at their core,” Braaten said.

These spaces offer various amenities and activities that cater to all age groups, including family-friendly events, concerts, splash pad areas, and parks. The convenience of having everything within walking distance further enhances residents’ sense of connection with their neighbors, creating a tight-knit community that supports one another.

“Everything is just very connected and can serve each other.” she added.

These spaces not only benefit the people living in these communities, they also benefit the businesses that lease space there, from increased foot traffic to having a built-in customer base.

The connectivity and convenience afforded by features like skyways and parking ramps make it easier for customers to access businesses, boosting revenue and overall success. Collaboration and mutual support amongst businesses within the lifestyle community further contribute to their overall prosperity, as they join forces for tenant appreciation events and engage in joint marketing efforts.

“You have people who already live and work there, so that’s a big perk to commercial businesses,” Braaten said. “At EOLA, we have a couple of commercial tenants that are coming there because there are baseball fields, the zoo, and a curling club nearby. So they see it as an ideal location as far as attracting families.”

At the heart of EPIC Companies’ approach to community development is their commitment to creating modern and convenient spaces that meet the needs and preferences of residents. Their designs prioritize connectivity, convenience, and safety, incorporating features such as skyways, outdoor plazas, and secure parking. By paying meticulous attention to detail, the team also aims to provide an impressive and enjoyable experience for both residents and visitors alike. Continuous feedback from residents and a willingness to learn and adapt ensures that their designs constantly evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of the communities they serve.

In addition to enhancing the overall quality of life for residents and stimulating the local economy, EPIC has seen how these communities can help drive retention in our state.

The new Tracks live-work-play-stay community in Minot, for example, came about shortly after the new Trinity Hospital was built. Recruiting doctors to move to the area was proving to be a challenge for the hospital. The Tracks offers a family-friendly lifestyle community that allows individuals from out of state to envision themselves living conveniently across the street from their employer and offering up an entertainment option for their children, along with the redevelopment daycare center.

“We have great school districts and a bustling economy, but there is still an opportunity to create an inclusive space for people to see themselves living long-term,” Braaten said.

And it’s their partnership with their valued investors that makes it all happen.

“Our investors are our partners,” she said. “We work alongside them on these projects, ensuring each is a success for them and for the people who will be living, working, playing, and staying in these spaces.”

With their proven track record and comprehensive approach to development, EPIC Companies provides investors with a reliable and visionary avenue to invest in their own communities through real estate development. Their commitment to enhancing quality of life, utilizing innovative design concepts, and supporting the community ensures that investors receive both financial and social returns on their investments.