FARGO, N.D. (AP) - Downtown Fargo has been named by the American Planning Association as one of 10 neighborhoods around the country honored in its "Great Places in America'' program.

Officials say the designation is for Fargo's historic character and revitalization during the past decade. A statement announcing the award says more than $100 million in public and private investments have been made since 1999 to change what the association calls a "rough, northern frontier image'' into one that's more metropolitan.

The APA says overall building values in the downtown Fargo neighborhood have risen 110 percent, from $103 million in 2000 to more than $218 million this year.