Feb. 19, 2026

This piece is sponsored by Pendar Properties. 

When Sydney Wilson moved back to Sioux Falls from Boston last fall, she didn’t have to give up urban living once she discovered her next home downtown.

“I loved living in the city, and this gave me the most-similar feel to what I knew I loved prior,” she said. “It’s fantastic. I love it.”

The Avera McKennan nurse now enjoys a quick commute to work from her one-bedroom apartment in The Clark building at Cherapa Place.

“Especially in the nicer weather, the walkability and location is so much fun,” she said. “I grew up here, but now moving back, I’ve discovered new places around the area.”

Neighbor Jace Guthmiller brought a similar appreciation for city living when he relocated from Denver in late 2024 for a job at Plains Commerce Bank.

“I’m super-grateful and excited to live downtown,” he said. “I love it and just re-signed my lease.”

There’s a misconception that this kind of lifestyle also comes with a price tag most can’t afford.

Instead, residents like Wilson and Guthmiller say they were happy to find a rent that not only met their budget but allowed them savings in other respects.

“I knew I wanted to live in a newer apartment, and simply put, it’s well worth the money,” Guthmiller said. “The value is definitely there. And I’d rather spend a little extra money and be excited to go home every day.”

“I even talked to my dad and was worried with the pay difference between here and Boston if I could afford living downtown,” Wilson said.

“But he told me to keep it between one-third and one-fourth of your budget and I’d be totally fine. My mom wondered how expensive it would be, too, and we were shocked how much was included.”

Tenants at Cherapa Place enjoy upgraded amenities including:

• Full-sized, in-unit washer and dryer
• Stainless steel appliances
• 10-foot mass timber ceiling
• Private balconies
• Organized closet systems
• Modern lighting
• Soft-close cabinetry
• Drop-zone entryway
• Walk-in tile shower with glass door
• Open floor plans
• Kitchen island with seating
• Instant fiber Wi-Fi

In addition, a lifestyle fee adds value and convenience, including a parking space in a connected ramp, household access to SISU Fit 24 hours a day, package management and utilities — excluding internet and cable — along with access to community-specific amenities like rooftop decks and the plaza.

“Talk about value — the gym membership alone would be over $100,” Guthmiller said. “Plus, you’re constantly saving more on driving or ridesharing because anywhere you’d want to go is right there.”

“The gym is fantastic,” Wilson agreed. “And the parking garage is free for two hours when people come visit. It’s just a whole different world.”

They both are regulars at the newly opened Pomegranate Market grocery store and bistro, which is on the main level of their building.

“You can get your coffee there, and they have a super-nice area out front to just sit and hang out, and I love to people watch, so the windows are perfect,” Wilson said.

The team at Pendar Properties also takes great pride in offering top-tier, around-the-clock maintenance.

“Our team is exceptional, constantly going above and beyond, and now offers optional ‘Handyman Services’ to assist with furniture assembly, TV mounting and other household projects, making everyday living even easier,” said Ashton Hiatt, marketing manager at Pendar Properties.

Many prospective residents are surprised when they discover how living downtown can fit their budget, she said.

“Our pricing structure is intentionally predictable, eliminating the surprise of fluctuating utility costs,” she said.

“Plus, with gym access and parking included, residents often find meaningful savings compared to traditional apartment living. For anyone who feels downtown living might be out of reach, we encourage them to consider their total cost of living, not just base rent.”

Add in savings on transportation, direct access to walking trails and nearby events, “and downtown living becomes not just attainable but a wonderful lifestyle upgrade,” Hiatt said.

The apartments themselves “are amazing,” Guthmiller said. “There’s so much attention to detail in the quality of the interior with the wood used and the concrete floors. The sound is great. Everything is just incredible.”

Both say they’ve also gotten to know their neighbors.

“It’s a lot of people my age, and everybody is super-nice, plus it’s quiet, which is also really nice,” Wilson said. “When I work a night shift, I have to sleep during the day, and it helps immensely. My other apartment in Sioux Falls was paper-thin.”

Guthmiller has gone to some happy hours put on by Pendar Properties for tenants, “and they’re really cool,” he said. “I’m super in love with the place. They’re doing it right.”

Pendar Properties currently has primarily studios and one-bedroom homes available at both The Clark Lofts and The Dakota Flats at Cherapa Place, with two-bedroom options becoming available from time to time.

“We frequently run leasing specials, so we always recommend connecting directly with our team for the most up-to-date availability and current offers,” Hiatt said.

To learn more about making your move to Cherapa Place, visit here.