By Jodi Schwan

The newest addition to downtown Sioux Falls will be called The Cascade and will bring what developers call a “modern lifestyle community” to the Uptown area.

The two-building development from Lloyd Cos. broke ground Oct. 2, with actual demolition occurring along with a ceremonial shovel.

“Yet this week you will notice an immediate difference in this site,” said Erica Beck, vice president of development for Lloyd. “We believe in the city’s long-term vision for Uptown, its cleanup and its revitalization, and we’re honored to be a part of it.”

A rendering by VanDeWalle Architects of the proposed project at Uptown.

The project will transform 2.5 acres between Phillips and Main avenues from Second to Third streets into a mix of apartment living, dining, shopping and recreation.

“This one is a monster, folks,” Mayor Mike Huether said. “Truly, it will … transform this area in such a dramatic way, and I don’t think it’s going to take five years. I think you’re going to see it’s going be fairly immediate.”

The Cascade will include 200 apartment homes with amenities including an outdoor pool, outdoor kitchen and gathering space for entertaining, a bocce ball court, a dog run, bike storage and bike repair area, indoor pet wash station and open community space with a fitness center and full-time concierge.

The development will reflect the unique historic character of downtown while bringing modern uses to the area, said Chris Thorkelson, CEO of Lloyd Cos. Lloyd will purchase part of the land necessary for the development from the city and will receive tax increment financing to offset some of the development costs.

“We’re confident, through our commitment from the public and the private sectors, a shared vision will continued to be realized downtown,” Thorkelson said.

The building along Phillips Avenue will include 20,000 square feet of commercial space. Leasing for that part of the project already has started.

“We think The Cascade is a tremendous opportunity for businesses,” said Raquel Blount, who is leasing the project for Lloyd Cos.

“We envision a destination restaurant that takes advantage of the nearby park and entertainment, a coffee shop and retail space that will be supported by hundreds of people living in the area and many more visiting.”

The plan is to open The Cascade in the spring of 2019 in conjunction with the Levitt Pavilion opening across Phillips Avenue.

“This site will be a place where friends and family can shop, dine and discover new experiences together,” said Joe Batcheller, president of Downtown Sioux Falls Inc.

“This is going to serve as a catalyst for revitalization for this end of downtown.”