The building today best known for housing KFYR-TV (and its earlier sibling enterprises, including KFYR-AM) first housed the Bismarck Tribune (until 1919) and the Hoskins-Meyer store (originally as Capital Bookstore). Occupying 200-206 N 4th Street, KFYR-TV actually comprises of two buildings blended as a single unit, with the original section being expanded considerably as well to the point where it is almost two buildings in itself.
The Bismarck Tribune constructed the first section of the building in the aftermath of the 1898 Fire. As announced on September 12, 1898, The Tribune described it as a “first-class modern print shop.” Previously housing the Central Block, the lot was purchased from the now-famous Mellon Brothers, who were early investors in Bismarck.
Originally, the building was about 111×21 feet (estimated) and essentially what would be today described as split-level with a 12-foot high basement and one-story above. The section facing 4th Street was rebuilt into a full two stories and extended northward in 1908.
The Bismarck Tru
Tribine/Hoskins Block.
1949 Renovation
The building was completely renovated at a cost of $300,000 in 1949, adding the granite and bluish-grey porcelain panels visible today. While the original foundation remains largely intact, much of the original building itself was demolished as part of the renovation.
When first renovated, the main stairwell leading to KFYR-TV’s home on the second floor were lined with a mural depicting the progress of communications, past to present. It also contained a quote by David Sarnoff, then chairman of the board of directors for RCA: “The richest man cannot buy for himself what the poor man gets free by radio.”
Studio A, the main studio of 4, also boasted an auditorium seating 110. The building was second only to the Capitol in electrical systems.
