While it may have seemed an eternity, the sale of the former Mandan's Farmers Elevator property to Leading Development Technology has come to fruition, paving the way for two new Mandan businesses: Family Dollar and O'Reilly Auto Parts.

Mandan city administrator Jim Neubauer brought the purchase agreement before the city commission Tuesday to get their approval of the property sale.

The city put out a request for proposal for the property last May, Neubauer said, receiving a reply from Leading Development Technology in July, at which time the city moved into negotiations.

"The reason it's taken so long it that we needed the deed from BNSF Railways for the property; we had to demolish the elevator; we had to get an additional 15 feet of easement; an environmental assessment had to be conducted; and the land needed to be surveyed," Neubauer said.

Leading Development Technology also made some changes from its original proposal which requested 84,000 square feet for three buildings. The purchase agreement now calls for two buildings and 54,000 square feet.

Neubauer said that the reduction of property wasn't necessarily bad because it will provide more parking for redevelopment of the John Iverson building owned by Tom Kambeitz. Mayor Ken LaMont said that there is some interest being shown in the Iverson building.

The agreement calls for Leading Development Technology to pay $5 per square foot for the property which will bring in about $275,000 to $276,000 to the city, according to Neubauer. Mandan paid $180,000 to have the elevator torn down and $1,400 more for the environmental assessment.

"As a minimum, we actually made a little money, which isn't bad," commissioner Dan Ulmer said.

"Additionally it brings new shopping opportunities which will benefit the community," Neubauer said.

In a press release from Business Development Director Ellen Huber, Family Dollar is described as a store selling men's, women's, boys' and girls' apparel and shoes; automotive items; hardware and paint; pet supplies; housewares; health and beauty aids; food and candy. There are 6,000 Family Dollar stores from Maine to Arizona.

O'Reilly Auto Parts has more than 1,500 stores in 25 states, originating in Missouri in 1957.

The property remains to be platted, but Neubauer said he expects construction on the stores to begin this spring, with openings later in the summer.

(Reach reporter Gordon Weixel at 250-8255 or gordon.weixel@;bismarcktribune.com.)