Dec. 11, 2024

They’re expanding out west together: A Sioux Falls architecture firm and a marketing agency have moved into historic office space in downtown Rapid City.

Co-op Architecture and Fresh Produce now both have offices in the historic Carnegie Library.

Co-op Architecture “jumped at it” when the building became available, purchasing it in 2022, said Tom Hurlbert, principal architect.

The Carnegie Library was built in 1916 and held the public library until 1972.

“It’s a beautiful limestone building in the heart of Rapid City that we have appreciated for years,” Hurlbert said. “Like a lot of shops, we’ve been tracking the activity in Rapid and are bullish it will continue to be vibrant.  We’ve had a leased presence in downtown Rapid City for eight years and have six people full time but are always looking to expand.”

The building sets the stage for that growth, supported by the community’s development in addition to the expanded B-21 mission at Ellsworth Air Force Base.

Rapid City’s was the 20th Carnegie library in South Dakota, the first two being approved in Sioux Falls and Aberdeen in 1901. Two wings were added to the original limestone structure in 1938 as part of a Works Progress Administration project, designed in keeping with the portico entrance and entablature along the roof.

In 1971, a new city library was built, and the Carnegie Library closed. The building then housed the city’s police department, followed by another design firm for multiple decades until Co-op Architecture purchased the building from a private owner in early 2022. When that lease expired, Co-op Architecture began converting it for its office.

“Our firm believes in downtown, South Dakota. It is the highest multigenerational economic engine for any city, and downtowns build community and identity, so we’re planting our flag in Mr. Carnegie’s “commercial palace.'” Hurlbert said. “Our good friends at Fresh Produce were looking to expand as well, so it’s a great fit to give them some downtown space as well.”

Fresh Produce is starting with a couple of employees but sees growth potential in the move.

“Being physically present in Rapid City allows us to build stronger relationships,” Fresh Produce co-founder Mike Hart said in a statement. “And it will be exciting to see how our creative and proprietary branding processes will benefit businesses and organizations throughout the greater Black Hills.”

Fresh Produce also moved select works from its permanent Ipso Gallery collection in downtown Sioux Falls there for display.

The two businesses “feel we already share space when it comes to practicing creativity,” Hart added. “Now, we have a shared physical space where we both can benefit.”

Black Hills Broadband also is leasing space in the building. Co-op Architecture plans to make more exterior improvements in the spring, including tuck-pointing and landscaping.