Nov. 4, 2022

When one Repurpose Project Center closes, another one opens.

Shane Sutherland originally started his repurposing, upcycling and one-of-a-kind merchandise venue as a Facebook page, opened a storefront on East Maple Street and then expanded to South Cliff Avenue in early 2019. In June, however, he closed it down.

“Gas prices were high, rents were going up, things like that, and it became harder and harder to financially make the goals,” Sutherland said.

Other venues that host crafters and vendors also are struggling, he said. Those who need an outlet for their goods reached out to Sutherland and wondered what the next step would be.

Now, he has an answer for them.

After a sale Saturday to clear out the contents of the former West Sioux Furniture, Sutherland and building owner John Sweets will begin remodeling the building known for years as West Sioux Hardware. Sutherland cannot put a precise date on it, but in 2023 he expects to announce the opening of a new Repurpose Project Center.

Sutherland will offer some of his own repurposed items for sale in the 8,800-square-feet space his business will occupy, including his collection of antique books. His main purpose, however, is to give other crafters and vendors a place for their work.

And someday, they may be able to produce those items in the back of the Repurpose Project Center.

“The long-term goal is to open our back area as a working vendor studio, that carpenters and painters and others can rent on-site,” Sutherland said. “That is quite a ways into the future. We’re hoping repairs can be completed and the store open and operational after the first of the year. We’re not sure of a date now.”

When Sutherland contacted Sweets about finding a new space for the Repurpose Project Center, Sweets offered several newer buildings that needed less renovation. Sutherland was drawn to the historic West Sioux area, however. A lifelong resident of Sioux Falls himself, he knows the city’s history.

“West Sioux Falls had the original water well down the street,” Sutherland said. “This is a great neighborhood with a great backstory, and the building has a great backstory.”

The West Sioux One Stop Store building was constructed in the early 1950s to replace an older structure that had been destroyed in a fire. Henry Brockhouse, son of the original owner, offered customers hardware, paint, jewelry, groceries and a cafe. Most memorable was Brockhouse’s collection of mounted animals he displayed behind glass at the store’s north end.

Brockhouse died in 1978, and the store closed in 1981. His animal collection today can be viewed at the Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History. Brockhouse’s lawyer, C.J. Delbridge, had purchased the collection and donated it to the city.

The building went through several owners and at one time housed a thrift store. When Sweets purchased it about eight years ago, he operated West Sioux Furniture for two years before closing it.

Sweets, who also is a real estate broker, opened an event center in one corner of the 22,000-square-foot building two years ago. West Sioux Kitchen & Venue can be used for receptions, meetings and seminars, birthday parties, showers, small weddings and other gatherings. Income from the event venue is designed to help improve other areas of the building.

A separate shared space for photographers also operates out of the building. West Sioux Studios allows photographers to rent rooms for portrait and modeling shoots. Sweets’ brother and sister-in-law, Josh and Maggie, operate the studio.

Proceeds from the weekend sale also will be used for building restoration. Objects for sale include architectural goods, industrial kitchen items, tools, construction materials, furniture and, Sutherland said, just plain “stuff.”

A drama group once operated in the building, and theatrical props also are for sale.

“The old McDonald’s on 41st Street that was torn down, we have all of their booths and tables,” Sweets said. “A Subway that was demolished somewhere, we’ve got their stuff. We have a bunch of items from George Boom Funeral Home before they knocked that down.”

Sutherland also owns and operates Hillbilly Paintworks Reclaim & Design, offering historic remodeling as an interior paint contractor. He said he got the nickname “Hillbilly” from growing up on the North Cliff Avenue hill.

Sutherland also is responsible for saving several Sioux Falls icons such as the Bob’s Drive-in sign, featuring a smiling waitress. The sign was sold in two parts with one landing at Zandbroz Variety and the other on display outside a private home on Cleveland Avenue.

Neither he nor Sweets looks at remodeling the West Sioux Hardware building as a business but more of a passion project, he said.

“I am more than happy to fill this place up with my own stuff,” Sutherland said. “But if I have to just sit at the door and cash people out because I don’t have any room, I’ll just put my stuff outside. I want to help the vendor community, and the vendor community by renting spots will help this great idea.”

If you’re going

The unofficially named Clean Out the Old West Sioux Hardware Building Sale runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at 2300 W. Madison St. The future Repurpose Project Center is next door to West Sioux Kitchen & Venue, a venue space for rent that is nearing the end of its remodeling. West Sioux Studios, which also is in the building, offers private access for photography sessions and classes.

Also on Saturday in the West Sioux Kitchen & Venue, a fundraiser is taking place for Joy Academy, a small private school open to students who needs one-on-one attention. The menu includes pulled pork sandwiches, brats, ribs and hot dogs.