June 1, 2021

Building activity in Sioux Falls has reached almost $400 million already this year, a 70 percent increase over the same time last year to continue its record-setting pace.

Through the first five months of 2021, building permits totaled $396 million, compared with $233.2 million in 2020. For the same time in 2019, they added up to $274.4 million.

While all categories of construction are up, new residential is showing a significant increase, totaling $141.5 million, compared with $80.4 million a year ago. That represents 412 new single-family homes, up from 249 a year ago and 247 two years ago.

Apartment construction also is smashing 2020 and 2019 numbers, totaling 902 multifamily units, compared with 271 last year and 295 units two years ago.

New commercial construction is at $121 million, up from $79 million the previous year and $101.2 million two years ago.

Major projects that were issued permits in May include the Aspen Heights apartments at 5301 W. Pineridge Drive at $9.5 million, and the Sullivan Square apartments at 600 N. Bahnson Ave. at $4.9 million.