 In general , the newer neighborhoods of Grand Forks are in the southern and western parts of town . The 32nd Avenue South corridor has been the commercial center of the city since the Columbia Mall opened in 1978 . Many big box stores and restaurants are now located along the avenue . A large strip mall , called the Grand Forks Marketplace , opened in 2001 near the Columbia Mall . University Village is a new commercial district that was built on vacant lands owned by the University of North Dakota . The centerpiece of the Village is the Ralph Engelstad Arena , which is used by the University 's North Dakota men 's ice hockey team . All the buildings in the Village have been built in a similar style to buildings on the nearby UND campus . The area now includes restaurants and stores , as well as the University bookstore . In 2006 , a new Wellness Center for UND students opened on the Village 's west side . 
