Sioux Falls Open To Development In Downtown

by Jeff Rusack, Reporter
February 14, 2013 3:14 PM


Construction is already underway on a couple of developments in between Phillips Avenue and Main Avenue in the northern part of downtown Sioux Falls. And city planners are open to the possibility for even more construction closer to Falls Park.

“We will select the project and ultimately projects throughout the course of this year that we feel are the best 50 and 100 year decisions for this area for downtown Sioux Falls and for the community as a whole,” said Darrin Smith, Director of Community Development of Sioux Falls.

While no particulars were given about who has shown interest in the area, Smith is open to any idea developers might have.

“We don't want to specify and you'll see that in the RFP we're not leading or dictating in terms of what we get. That's really the development community’s job to really come up with those ideas. They do it everyday. They do it best,” said Smith.

Only one spot of land is available for construction right now but later in the year, two other portions of land on North Phillips Avenue will be available for development. And more construction is exactly what city officials have been hoping for.  

“As the economy has gotten better, I know our office and city leadership with the mayor, the city council, all the way on down have been very aggressive in supporting development, particularly in downtown,” said Smith.

While it's unknown what will fill the vacant lot, city officials believe the North Phillips Avenue area will soon be a more vibrant part of downtown.

“We know the interest is there. The timing is right. And that's why we are moving forward with this,” said Smith.