The Old Ford Building, reimagined.
The Great Northern Railway (GN) arrived in Williston, North Dakota in 1887, marking the town’s first economic boom. This development spurred the city’s growth leading to the “Old Ford Building” being built in the early 20th century as a Ford automobile dealership. It was a pillar of Williston's growth during the automobile boom and played a significant role in the community’s development. As car ownership became more common, the building became a hub for automobile and truck sales in the region. Over time, the building changed ownership and function, and this next chapter is the most exciting one yet. Great Northern opened its doors in 2025 and is now open and hosting events of every kind.
The historic downtown building has been transformed into a 19,000 square foot, state-of-the-art event center, bringing new energy to the downtown corridor as a luxury event venue. With its rich history and central location, the building now hosts a variety of exciting events, from concerts to conferences, weddings to community gatherings. A 4,000 sf fall-out shelter, a thick concrete bunker in the basement, is now home to The Mustang Room, a listening room for music and a cocktail/mocktail lounge.
The transformation blends its classic charm with modern amenities, making it a unique and versatile venue for all kinds of celebrations and activities. This revitalization gives locals and visitors a beautiful space to connect and create memories in the heart of the Williston Basin. Come be a part of something special as we breathe new life into one of our town’s most iconic buildings!
