Sioux Falls | Development

[Justin_144]

Constitutional amendment designed to block Iowa resort

Faced with the threat of a large-scale casino resort opening just across the Iowa border, two Sioux Falls lawmakers are proposing a simple but controversial solution: Clear the way for a casino of our own.

A Las Vegas-style gaming casino in or near Sioux Falls would stymie a similar development in nearby Larchwood, Iowa, that officials long have feared will take money out of South Dakota's pockets.

But the proposal first must overcome a series of obstacles, including a change to the South Dakota Constitution.

Two state senators, Democrat Scott Heidepriem and Republican Gene Abdallah, have taken the first step by proposing a constitutional amendment allowing the Legislature to authorize new casinos to counter operations in states that border South Dakota. If approved by the Legislature, the measure would go to a statewide vote.

Abdallah and Heidepriem are blunt about their motives.

"If we can change the Constitution, can you imagine anyone investing in the one in Iowa?" Abdallah said.

Their proposal faces a number of hurdles. For starters, it would take an amendment to the state Constitution and a statewide vote before gaming could be expanded to Sioux Falls. That would likely provoke hostility from several interest groups - some of which oppose gambling on moral grounds and others out of financial self-interest.

The issue wouldn't exist had it not been for events in Lyon County, Iowa. Last fall, residents there voted to allow a $90 million golf course, casino and resort near Sioux Falls. The population base in the Sioux Falls area was the primary attraction for Kehl Management, the group behind the proposal.

Messages left for Kehl Management officials were not returned Friday. Although voters have given their blessing, the project is being held up by the Iowa Gaming Commission. The commission won't accept any new applications for casinos until a study is completed assessing the industry there.

The study is due later this spring, said Glenn Anderson, Lyon County's development director. If the commission concludes that gambling can expand in Lyon County, it could take six months before it acts on an application.

"We're looking at a good year before that happens, if they do happen to accept Lyon County," Anderson said. Construction could take another 18 months.

That gives officials here a window of opportunity. The prospect of a large resort parked a few miles from Sioux Falls has prompted hand wringing among business and political leaders on this side of the border. They fear it will drain dollars from this area, affecting businesses and revenues to state and local governments.

"I can tell you that every vehicle in the parking lot is going to be a South Dakota-one or a South Dakota-44," Heidepriem said, referring to the license plates issued to residents of Minnehaha and Lincoln counties. "All of the revenue will go to Iowa, and all of the social ills will come to us."

At least some of that revenue would likely come directly out of South Dakota's coffers.

A 2004 study commissioned by the state examined the economic effects of expanding destination gambling in South Dakota. While the study didn't contemplate a casino near Sioux Falls, its conclusions don't bode well for video lottery in the area.

The study found that per-capita spending on video lottery terminals declined in counties near casinos that offer slots and gaming tables, and Sioux Falls residents in 2003 spent more of their money at destination casinos in other states than in South Dakota casinos on reservations and in Deadwood.

Declining video lottery revenues are an unpleasant scenario for state leaders already dealing with a deepening recession.

Gov. Mike Rounds said Thursday that he's not sure what affect the Iowa casino would have directly on video lottery.

"It most certainly wouldn't help because we do have a lot of video lottery play in the southeastern part of the state both along the Iowa border and in the Sioux Falls area," Rounds told a gathering of the state's newspaper publishers and editors. "It won't help at all."

Rounds wasn't questioned directly about the possibility of a Sioux Falls casino.

South Dakota has few options in dealing with Iowa's plans, he said. But perhaps if video lottery operators were confident in their situation - specifically that the state wouldn't increase the 50 percent take of the revenue - they could update their aging machines which may lead to more play.

"I think it may have a larger impact on Native American gaming than it would on our video lottery gaming," he said of the Iowa proposal. "I think there might be some concern there on the part of the folks who are benefiting from some of the gaming there in the Flandreau area and so forth. In terms of video lottery, I'm not sure what you do."

Rumors have circulated for months that out-of-state gambling interests are eyeing the Sioux Falls area as a possible site for a casino. Both Abdallah and Heidepriem say they've had no contact with those efforts.

"I have not spoken with one single person in the industry, although it does not surprise me that there is interest in this," Heidepriem said.

Sioux Falls lawyer Brian J. Bauer said he suggested an effort be made to change the state Constitution, an idea that Heidepriem agreed with. Bauer said he doesn't want to see the Sioux Falls economy hurt by a resort in Iowa.

Bauer, who also is a developer, envisions a destination resort complete with two golf courses, hotel, convention center and other amenities to complement a casino. "Some of the most beautiful land in South Dakota," he said, is nestled along the Big Sioux River in Minnehaha and Lincoln counties on the border with Iowa.

He proposes that revenues from the facility be put in a "lockbox" to be used specifically for education.

Bauer said he would "love" to be involved in the project, but he thinks it would take a major player with experience in the industry to pull it off. He said he is not working with any outside groups.

Heidepriem and Abdallah's proposal would allow the Legislature to authorize any games of chance "if it is reasonably necessary to prevent the initiation or curtail the operation of some form of legal gaming in a bordering state that will constitute a serious impediment to the economic prosperity or social well-being of the citizenry of any significant portion of the state of South Dakota."

Before the Legislature could authorize a new gaming facility, the governor would need to declare in writing that a threat exists.

If approved, it could open the door for a significant expansion of gaming in South Dakota.

Bauer realizes the proposal is likely to draw fire.

"Bottom line is, it's coming to this region anyway," he said. "You might as well have it on the South Dakota side rather than the Iowa side of the border."

Existing casinos on reservations and in Deadwood could oppose the plan, and if it came to a statewide campaign, those groups have money to spend.

"We're surprised the state of South Dakota would attempt to expand Las Vegas style gambling when the governor has fought all the tribes in South Dakota from increasing their number of machines," said a statement from Joshua Weston, president of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe.

George Milos, the executive director of the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce, said it's too early to tell whether officials there would oppose the effort. But he did point out that legal gambling returned to Deadwood in the 1980s because local residents passed petitions to put the issue on the ballot, not because of lawmakers.

"They went and worked for it to save the town," he said.

The 2004 study found that people in Sioux Falls already spend more money gambling outside of South Dakota than they do at in-state operations. Those conclusions could bolster arguments for building a casino in Sioux Falls.

But that argument wouldn't be enough to persuade others who oppose gambling. Chris Hupke, president of the South Dakota Family Policy Council, worries that slot machines here will only make more people addicted to gambling.

"We would have significant concerns," Hupke said.

One thing is certain: The region isn't big enough to support two casino-resorts, Lyon County's Anderson said.

Anderson said he understands why officials in South Dakota are trying to protect their interests.

"You've got to respect the state of South Dakota," he said. "Their first, primary responsibility is to the state of South Dakota. You do what you do for your own people."

[Wolfmanfromsufu]

Yea, I was referring to Boyce Greely. They've been working on that building for years.

[sfman08]

Plans for Development at Schoeneman site to be Unveiled this Month

Plans for a new downtown development at the present site of the Schoeneman Building Materials Center will be unveiled this month, when Downtown Sioux Falls Inc. holds its annual meeting Feb. 12.


Company President Al Schoeneman said the family lumberyard would be relocated to a new, larger site in Harrisburg by the end of the summer. The departure after more than 100 years in downtown will leave about 5 acres of land on the East Bank ready for something new.

Schoeneman declined to discuss specific plans, saying he wanted to wait until Feb. 12. But he did say that he doesn’t intend to sell the land. Any development there will include the company as a partner in the project.

The site is one of several eyed by downtown boosters. The East Bank has witnessed significant change in the last couple of years with the additions of new office buildings, restaurants and bars.

[sfman08]

Phillips Avenue Facelift
When the weather warms up, people will have some new places to sit outside and enjoy the downtown atmosphere in Sioux Falls.

The city is planning to reconstruct a two-block strip of Phillips Avenue. While the idea is to invite more people to downtown, the Philips Avenue facelift is also attracting some criticism.

The city plans to reconstruct it between 10th and 12th Streets and add several bumpouts, where people can sit outside to eat and enjoy a beverage.

Business owners, like Melissa Degen who owns the Wild Flour Bakery & Cafe, think it's going to be sweet.

"During the summer, we probably seat and serve more people outside than we do inside most nice days. Looking forward to it, can't wait til it's done," owner of Wild Flour Bakery & Cafe Melissa Degen said.

The plan also includes adding planters, historical lighting and cobblestones to give downtown a historical feel.

The construction starts next month and is scheduled to end in June 12, but not everyone shares the same excitement.

"We've always thought reconstruction of downtown is necessary," Paul Bechtold said.

Paul Bechtold of Bechtold's Jewelry says Phillips Avenue needs to be redone, but doesn't like the idea eliminating parking spots for bumpouts.

"Our biggest concern, as always, is parking and the plans show our block losing six spots," Bechtold said.

But city officials say public parking ramps are available and this project will be good for downtown merchants.

"We really want to make it a historical area. More seating outside, planters, lighting will be quite interesting and I think that encourages more people to come down and look at putting more retail down there, because they see the investment we're making really is paying off and hopefully pay off for them too," Mayor Dave Munson said.

Crews will begin tearing up Philips Avenue March 16.

You can take a closer look at the Phillips Avenue Plan online.

[Wolfmanfromsufu]

The only thing I would recommend changing on the downtown portion of Phillips Ave. is to make it one way. Traffic can get backed up easily since there are no left turn lanes in the narrowest part. I've noticed from looking at older pictures that Phillips use to be one way at one time.

[sfman08]

Sioux Falls to get Air Service to the West
Las Vegas-based airline Allegiant Air, today announces it will offer low-cost, nonstop flights from selected markets to a soon-to be-announced new sunny vacation destination. Only 12 markets will receive the new nonstop service which will be announced officially Feb. 18.
The following selected markets are affected: Bellingham, Wash.; Billings, Mont.; Des Moines, Iowa; Fargo, N.D.; Grand Junction, Colo.; McAllen, Texas ; Missoula, Mont.; Medford, Ore.; Monterey, Calif.; Sioux Falls, S.D.; Springfield. Mo.; and Wichita, Kan.

"These markets continue to be outstanding for Allegiant," Maurice J. Gallagher Jr., Allegiant Air president & CEO, said. "We're pleased to announce we will soon offer these communities yet another low-cost, nonstop route. We are confident this new sunny destination will have great appeal."

Allegiant is offering these communities the chance to guess the destination Allegiant will be announcing on Feb. 18. The carrier's "Guess Allegiant’s New Destination and Win!" contest can be found at www.allegiantair.com/contest. Between Feb. 4 and 13, 2009, customers can enter their best guess. If the guess is correct, customers will be entered into a contest for a chance to win two roundtrip tickets to the new destination, or any Allegiant destination served from these select markets. One winner from each market will be chosen.

[skate342]

So...where do you think the "sunny destination" out west is?
http://www.allegiantair.com/aaRouteMap.php

If it's one of their existing destinations, something in SoCal or the Bay Area would be nice.

[sfman08]

Well it says "new" West coast destination, So I was guessing somewhere in the Los Angeles area because of Knotts Berry Farm and Disneyland and all those places. However, I'm almost positive it wont be LAX (proper) but one of Los Angeles' commercial Metro airports.

BTW skate, a few weeks ago we went and looked at a few lofts at Shrivers on the 5th & 6th floor and they are amazingly nice.

[sfman08]

Allegiant Adding Sioux Falls Flights

Allegiant Airlines has announced the addition of nonstop flights from Sioux Falls to Los Angeles.

Sioux Falls Regional Airport Authority President Hal Wick says
the new flights begin in May and will start with two flights each
week.

Allegiant already offers nonstop flights to Las Vegas, Phoenix
and Orlando, Fla.

Travelers at the Sioux Falls airport welcomed the development,
saying the nonstop flights means they don't have to go through the
hassle, the expense and the wait that often are involved with
catching a connecting flight at a big airport.

Travelers say they hope the new flights will create some
competition among airlines, prompting lower air fares.

_____________________________________________________________

I also drove down Highway 100 on the East side and the Cement structure is already up for the new Target. Everything but a part of the front is up. It is amazing how far they are already, and they have the street signal up for 18th & 100 (its not on) but the roads in the development and the landscaping are already leveled and ready to be constructed.

[Brian77]

Flourishing river bank area envisioned

Schoeneman's exit provides opportunity

Peter Harriman • pharrima@argusleader.com • February 13, 2009

Plans were unveiled Thursday for a riverside development with a 100-room hotel, a restaurant and bar with outdoor seating, underground parking and retail, office and residential space on six acres between Eighth and 10th streets on the east bank of the Big Sioux River.

Drawings showing a preliminary concept for the project, on the site where Schoeneman's Lumber has been since 1912, were displayed during the annual meeting of Downtown Sioux Falls.

Before it becomes real, though, Al Schoeneman expects another three to five years to pass. "There are a lot of things to pull together before we start construction," he said.

The lumber yard will be out by August, however, as Schoeneman relocates it to a home center he is building in Harrisburg. Some of the existing sheds will be torn down then, and before it becomes anything else the site will become a construction equipment and supply staging area for a planned expansion of the First National Bank at 100 S. Phillips Ave., Schoeneman said.

Seeing the prime river-view land reborn as the kind of vibrant development depicted at the meeting is a fond hope for some with a stake in downtown.

Jeff Scherschligt inaugurated the long-planned redevelopment of the east bank when he built Cherapa Place, a 140,000-square-foot office complex north of Eighth Street, where the Zip Feed mill formerly stood. Development at the Schoeneman site would be the next jewel in a necklace of new businesses and amenities along the river, and "it shows 'build it and they will come.' It creates excitement," he said.

"If the economy was more robust, you would see it happen quicker," he adds. "But the city could hurry it up just by building an event center downtown. Then this would all happen quickly."

City Council member Greg Jamison said he's mindful of the spirited debate on where to build events and convention facilities, but he acknowledges "there's a lot of value to putting it downtown.

"Wherever it goes, though, downtown or at the Arena, I would love to cut the ribbon on it as soon as we can. It's a huge economic engine we're missing out on."

Perspective Inc. helped develop the concept and did the drawings of what could be done with the Schoeneman site. But Keith Neuharth of RSArchitects and a member of the DTSF design assistance committee, eyed them with interest.

"Everyone would like it to happen soon," he said.

Tasteful development at Schoeneman's would leave a positive first impression on people coming downtown from the east, Neuharth said.

"The goal is to have all these developments tie together and link them with certain design elements into a cohesive whole so when we're finished, everything looks designed together," he said of the grand scheme for the river bank between downtown and Falls Park.

Where Scherschligt sees a new events center as the catalyst to spur development, new Downtown Sioux Falls President Larry Rehfeld said demolition will kick it off.

"A huge issue is that river ramp," the parking structure spanning the Big Sioux south of Eighth Street. "It's a huge impediment to development," he said.

There is an ongoing effort to find a new site for the 500 people who park in the big white facility. That will have to be completed before the aging ramp can be removed. "We put quite a bit of money into it five years ago and more money this year," Rehfeld said. Still, the building's structural integrity is declining.

"It's about outlived its usefulness," he said.

Rehfeld is pleased with the Schoeneman redevelopment concept. Nothing is set in stone, though, Schoeneman said. Efforts are ongoing to attract a hotel; Schoeneman said he hasn't even begun to work on financing; and if a compelling case is made for alternative development, such as devoting the entire site to new office space, the concept displayed Thursday could be changed.

Whatever happens, the site, probably will be a focal point for continued development along the east bank, Neuharth said.

[1ajs]

idiot meadia only have this wth?


source: http://www.argusleader.com/article/2...NTPAGECAROUSEL

[sfman08]

Airport To Gain Los Angeles, Detroit, Atlanta, & Salt Lake service

Well as we all know Allegiant is adding service to the Los Angeles area, but now I was looking for flights out of Sioux Falls this summer, and noticed that there are three new flights out of Sioux Falls. 1x Daily to Atlanta, 1x Daily to Salt Lake City, and 1x Daily to Detroit. Now one thing though is that the new Detroit service is replacing the 2x Daily Cincinnati flights, however I do expect to see the Detroit route expanding more in the future. This is amazing news for the Airport!

[sfman08]

Sanford Research Park


Got this picture off of the Siouxfalls.org website in a brochure of development. Very large development, large retail portion on the south side. I don't think the retail will get that big though since it is going to be kind of close to 41st Street. However, maybe they might be able to get like Applebee's and stores and restaurants like that down there.

Definetly wont see anything until after the economy rebounds.

[sfman08]

Brandon Ranked Third On Best Affordable Suburbs of 2009

Link: http://finance.yahoo.com/real-estate...e-Suburbs-2009

3. Brandon, South Dakota

Nearest major city: Sioux Falls
Population: 6,793
Median household income: $71,405
Median home price: N/A
Unemployment rate: 2.5%
Violent crime index: 21

Fast-growing Brandon is a suburb east of Sioux Falls, known for its good schools and has great access to nearby nature parks, such as the Beaver Creek Nature Area. About 48% of residents are married with children. The average commute is 19 minutes.

--------------------------------------
I'm pretty sure Brandon is about 8,500 or so now, so population is wrong, but still, I was very surprised to open up this link and find a Sioux Falls suburb.

[Wolfmanfromsufu]

I'm assuming it's going by 2000 census. It still seems weird referring to a town as being a suburb of Sioux Falls since none of the surrounding towns are actually connected to the city.

[sfman08]

Its crazy because there are a bunch of housing developments just scattered between Brandon and Sioux Falls, so you feel like as your driving from Sioux Falls to Brandon that you are driving on the outer edges of a city into a suburb.

Found this picture online of the new Schonemans development. The hotel is going to be between 100-150 rooms, which is about 3/4 the size of the Holiday Inn City Center (the largest hotel in the city @ 200 Rooms). Since the new hotel at schonemans isnt going to be as long, that means they are going to be building up. Im assuming this hotel is going to be between 7-14 Stories tall just because it is going to include retail and condo's. But then again they havent gone into detail about that:



Downtown To Gain Even With Schoenemans Move
When Schoeneman’s Building Materials Center moves from downtown Sioux Falls to its new, spacious location at the Harrisburg Industrial Park this summer, it will be a historic day for both cities.

It will be the launching of a major retail center for Harrisburg and the end of 97 years of a lumberyard along the east bank of the Big Sioux River.

Leaders of Downtown Sioux Falls Inc., a nonprofit corporation that’s committed to downtown vitality, are optimistic the vacated Schoeneman’s property can be converted into an attractive riverside development.

At its annual meeting Feb. 13, the group – with little fanfare – unveiled architectural concepts by Perspective Inc. of what could lie ahead. The possibilities include a 100-room hotel, a restaurant, a retail and office building, and underground parking.

Downtown Sioux Falls President Larry Rehfeld said he likes the concept. One necessary step in developing the site is demolishing a deteriorating parking ramp that spans the river south of Eighth Street.

“We must get rid of the river ramp first and foremost,” Rehfeld said.

A considerable amount of money has been invested in that ramp, but Rehfeld said it needs to be replaced. Downtown Sioux Falls committees have discussed options to develop new parking, and the organization is developing a strategic plan.

Redevelopment plans include the creation of more downtown housing. One of the goals is to use common designs to make all of the developments in the neighborhood tie together.

Outgoing DTSF President Bill Peterson said improvements will continue a renaissance that has occurred downtown during the past 20 years.

Al Schoeneman, president of the lumberyard and home-improvement center, said the planning process for the property that will be vacated downtown is in the early stages.

“There really isn’t anything written in stone. It’s just kind of an idea,” Schoeneman said. “And the way the economy is, we’re probably looking at three to five years before things get going down there. It’s something that will brighten the countryside of downtown.”

One development that is on schedule is the company’s move to Harrisburg. That will occur in July or August.

Schoeneman said the new site will provide much more space. The building will have 22,000 square feet, with 15,000 occupied by Schoeneman’s. The remainder is being built as two available retail sites, which could be broken into smaller spaces.
Schoeneman said no efforts will be made to attract business tenants until summer.

The company’s building in downtown Sioux Falls has about 10,000 square feet.
“But the big difference is out in the yard,” Schoeneman said. “We barely have room to turn around a semi here downtown. We’ll have a lot of room to drive around at our new location.”

In addition to the home-improvement center, the complex will have eight additional storage buildings on 19 acres, he said. The business will employ 20 to 25 people, many of whom will move from the downtown store.

The company will continue to operate its store on South Western Avenue.

Beck & Hofer Construction is the general contractor for the project.

Superintendent Ed Dykstra said work begin last September and a favorable winter has allowed construction to progress well.

“We anticipated shutting down during the cold months ... but things have been clicking along pretty well in the winter,” Dykstra said. “It’s going to be a beautiful setup for them – a major distribution center for the Schoeneman group.”

A rail spur has been installed to the back of the property, and docks will be added.

[Justin_144]

All that parking looks like a waste of space to me. I would have like to seen more use of the riverfront than this.

[Wolfmanfromsufu]

That does seem like a wast of space. they should have made a parking ramp and added more occupiable space.

[Justin_144]

I noticed the caption said phase one...so that must mean the parking will be eaten up in the future.

[sfman08]

Dawley Farm Village