April 1, 2024

Building activity in Sioux Falls showed a sharp drop to start the year, with the exception of housing.

Through March, the value of permits in the city totaled $159 million, down from $270 million last year and $376 million two years ago.

The big drop is in commercial activity, which totaled $74.4 million through the first three months of the year, less than half of the $170 million last year and farther behind the $275.2 million in permits in 2022.

It was a similar story in commercial additions and remodeling work, which totaled $35.2 million through March, half of last year’s $72.2 million and slightly ahead of $26.3 million two years ago.

The bright spot is in new residential construction, which totaled $35.4 million to start the year, up from $15.5 million last year. Two years ago, it was $58.1 million. Through the first quarter, that represents 105 single-family houses, up from 33 in the first quarter of 2023 but down from 183 for the same time in 2022.

Permits have been issued for 328 new multifamily units, down from 678 last year and 934 two years ago.

Major projects permitted in March include the Maple Rock Apartments from Veldhouse Construction at 3100 E. Autumn Blaze St. for $15.1 million.

For an interactive look at projects permitted so far this year, click below.