May 2, 2022

Here’s one way to put the building activity experienced in Sioux Falls for the first four months of 2022 in perspective: Ten years ago, it would have already totaled a record year.

“I believe with that, it can be said that it has been a phenomenal year up to this point,” chief building official Butch Warrington said.

“We just can’t say enough about the people and companies that want to invest in our little community.”

Or maybe it’s not so little.

Through April, the city issued permits for $542.5 million in construction, up from $318.5 million during the same time last year.

New commercial activity is driving the increase, totaling $366.7 million, compared with $99.2 million at this time a year ago. Commercial additions and remodeling projects are behind 2021 at $54.6 million versus $89.5 million.

New residential construction also is lagging somewhat at $98.2 million, compared with $110.8 million, representing 281 single-family homes so far this year, compared with 321 homes last year. Multifamily units are ahead of 2021 with permits issued for 1,100 units, compared with 784.

Some of the large projects that received permits in April include:

• The Parkwood senior living apartments at 85th Street and Western Avenue, $17.5 million.
• Sanford Health and Lewis Drug development at 5900 E. Madison St., $16.2 million.
• Cherapa parking ramp, 427 E. Sixth St., $13.1 million
• Expansion for CCL Label at Career and Terry avenues, $11.9 million.
• Retreat Apartments at 8501 W. 22nd St., $11.8 million.
• Hy-Vee’s renovation at 2700 W. 10th St. to convert it into a regional bakery and pharmacy space, $6 million.
• Expansion of Journey Group office headquarters, 4500 W. 58th St., $5 million.
• Expansion at Roosevelt High School, $4.2 million.
• Addition to Washington High School, $4.2 million.
• The Grove apartments at 8600 W. 41st St., $3.7 million.
• New office and warehouse for Outdoor Gear at 4840 N. Wilcox Drive, $3.6 million.