Feb. 11, 2024

Remember the “big boom” that, well, kind of wasn’t?

The attempt at demolishing the downtown Zip Feed Mill in late 2004 became the fail that went viral, even in those pre-social media days.

I remember it clearly — in part because it led me to an unexpected hour-plus of impromptu live television reporting. And I’m sure many of you do too.

But as I sat in the newest addition to open on that former Zip Feed site, The Bancorp Building at Cherapa Place, I was reminded of how fast life keeps moving and how important it is for communities to keep positioning themselves for the future.

Property owner and developer Jeff Scherschligt asked the question of our 2023 SiouxFalls.Business “30 Under 30” who had gathered there for a final lunch and tour as we wrapped up a year of special opportunities for the group.

“How many of you remember the ‘big boom'”? Scherschligt asked them.

Not one hand.

Of course, to be fair, this was going on 20 years ago. The oldest of our group was maybe in third grade at the time.

Scherschligt went on to paint a memorable picture for them — beginning with the public-private partnership it took to turn the riverfront property into a thriving redevelopment.

“I’m not a visionary,” he told them at one point. “I take other people’s vision and get it done.”

It will take a lot of Jeff Scherschligts if the latest vision announced last week is to become reality. But as I sat at the Sioux Falls Convention Center surrounded by elementary schoolers learning about the potential future Riverline District — Have you ever written a breaking news story with “Baby Shark” blaring in the background? It’s a memorable way to start a week — I thought back to those young professionals sitting around the table at Cherapa.

We owe them all a “big boom” moment — even with all the unpredictable twists it can bring.

We owe them a moment where they see city leaders side by side with private investors and/or donors to do something big that positions Sioux Falls for its next stage of growth.

Forget, for now, the idea of new downtown convention space — despite the solid case that can be made for building some. Forget, even, the benefits of offering more year-round activity for all ages. Those are all ingredients behind a broader vision. But they’re not going to be what gets a bunch of 20-somethings excited about being part of the city for the future. They’re not going to be what makes them decide to take that next job or recommend a move to Sioux Falls to a friend.

But the ripple effect of these major investments? And the implications of approaching them in an innovative, differentiating way? That’s where the bigger picture can start to inspire.

A downtown that extends east to Cliff Avenue, with a much easier way to walk than the current viaducts provide and plenty of opportunity for surrounding redevelopment, is the sort of thing that will get the next generation’s attention.

Sure, bringing in additional sales and room tax revenue is great and supports the broader needs of the city. But, again, that doesn’t necessarily answer the underlying, if unasked, question: “So what’s this going to do for me?”

If you look at what the public wants to see at the Riverline, here’s how the 1,578 respondents to an initial survey answered:

• Restaurants and bars: 1,081
• Sports stadium: 853
• Park and open space: 814
• Outdoor event space: 719
• Shopping: 620
• Indoor sports rec-plex: 436
• Housing: 3
• Parking : 2

Nowhere in there does it mention convention space, and indoor recreation is basically last on the list, even though I think it holds a lot of appeal for people when located outside of downtown.

So the challenge now is to educate the community about why downtown convention space can help drive many of the other desires on that list — particularly retail and restaurants, and hopefully park and outdoor event enhancements too. Plus, there already are plenty of misconceptions to dispel. I was mystified to learn how many people heard this announcement and thought the idea was to relocate the entire complex — including the Denny Sanford Premier Center — if that gives a sense of the early disconnect.

I think Mayor Paul TenHaken appropriately characterized this cake as far from fully baked, which means there’s opportunity to continue to explore options and hopefully arrive at a plan that differentiates Sioux Falls from its competition.

Want a glimpse of what’s possible? How about this:

The community of Savannah, Georgia — a smaller city than Sioux Falls — just spent nearly $300 million to expand its riverfront convention center.

But it’s expected to generate more than $500 million in economic impact.

And, closer to home, consider Edina, Minnesota’s Edinborough Park, which promotes itself as the frequently named best indoor playground in the Twin Cities.

It’s designed with areas for children age 1 through 12, with everything from toddler play to an adventure-themed climbing area.

There are bounce houses, indoor play equipment and scooters in a multipurpose play space.

The facility includes a cafe, hosts birthday parties and offers day passes or annual memberships.

The idea here is not to replicate things like this, but to innovate our way into something that sets this city apart.

If you want an example of how a Sioux Falls entity is already making the right kind of quality-of-life investments at the right time, consider the newly opened Midco Arena for hockey at Augustana University.

This is a facility that enhances the neighborhood and campus because the location is appropriate. It’s the right size, with literally not a bad seat in the place. It’s designed around a sport that is growing, offering a collegiate experience not yet found in our area. And it was funded through significant support from private donors and corporate backers in addition to the university itself.

Don’t be surprised if Augustana sees enhanced brand reputation and by extension greater enrollment and more outside interest and partnerships because of it. I was there for opening night, and the energy was electric. A “big boom” type of moment, if you get my drift.

Now let’s see if Sioux Falls can go even bigger — and deliver on the potential of this latest vision.