April 1, 2021

Building permits in Sioux Falls reached nearly $213 million in the first quarter, more than double the same time in 2020.

The total also is well ahead of the $135.5 million permitted in the first quarter of 2019.

Commercial activity at $66.6 million is more than double the $28 million issued for the same time last year. The category of commercial additions and remodeling projects is faring even better at $73.2 million, compared with $28 million last year.

Apartment construction is a big part of the commercial increase, with permits for 463 units issued in the first quarter, compared with 15 for the same time last year and 136 for the same time in 2019.

New residential construction also is solidly ahead of last year, totaling $61.7 million, compared with $38.2 million.

That represents 187 new single-family homes, compared with 109 for the same time last year and 74 for the same time in 2019.

Major projects permitted in March include:

• Avera Behavioral Health addition, $21.6 million
• One phase of The Locale apartments at 69th Street and Southeastern Avenue, $7.3 million.
• One phase of Willows Edge Apartments at 6520 E. 10th St., $6.8 million.
• Aspen Heights condos at 1060 N. Holbrook Ave., $3.8 million.