Helping Sioux Falls Grow And Prosper

by Breanna Fuss, Reporter
October 23, 2012 5:07 PM


It’s a plan to increase development around the new Denny Sanford PREMIER Center. And while the plans are only in the beginning stages-many of which still need to be OK’d by city officials-they are hoping it will bring bigger crowds to the area.

There are plans to build a new hotel at The Sanford Sports Complex, plus city officials said there are seven other sites where potential hotels could be built.

The new development plans are expected to increase employment by 75 percent over the next few years as all these businesses are being built.

It’s a project that plans 12 square miles, stretching from 6th Street to I-90 and Minnesota Avenue to I-29, on the northwest side of Sioux Falls.

It’s being called ‘The Sports and Entertainment District,’ and it comes with a silver lining for a neighborhood city officials said is ready for a change.

"Looking back on the last decade, particularly on Russell Street, there has been very little new construction,” said Mike Cooper, Director of Planning and Building Services for Sioux Falls.

City officials said this project is all about economic growth.
    
“We want to enhance some the investment we have made with the airport improvements, with some of the street improvements you'll see,” said Cooper.

Improvements like making Russell Street a six-lane road, instead of four, along with some minor improvements sure to make a big difference.

"It’s going to be a much more aesthetically pleasing area with the street-scaping,” said Darrin Smith, Director of Community Development for Sioux Falls.

There will also be more places for visitors to spend the night while in the city.

"The Elmwood Golf Course on the request for a proposal for a new hotel sight,” said Cooper.

And there are even more plans.

"Restaurants, bars, convenient stores, perhaps strip malls,” said Smith.

And with a 600-acre plot of land waiting to be developed near Westport and Kiwanis Avenues, city officials, along with business owners in the area hope investors start taking notice and start breaking ground.
    
"It's going to bring a lot of opportunities for people in the area with new jobs, and you know, the economy. You can't help but hope it will help our economy,” said Tim Nicolai, owner of Arena Motel.

City officials are trying to maximize development in the area, as the city of Sioux Falls continues to grow.

"You know there is just a lot going on and there's more to come,” said Smith.

As of Tuesday, it’s still not known just how much the project will cost. But city officials said this plan, which they have been working on with area businesses for the past year, will significantly improve the economy and development in the area.

 And it’s not just businesses being built. There are 1,300 homes in the development district and city officials said that number could grow to more than 6,000 homes in the area over the next 20 years.