Nov. 11, 2021

This paid piece is sponsored by Sioux Metro Growth Alliance.

From a new housing development featuring a fishing pond to a development park that’s already landing businesses, Crooks is a community on the move.

“They’re go-getters,” said Jesse Fonkert, CEO of Sioux Metro Growth Alliance. “They’re getting things done. They know their strategy, and they’re working to execute it.”

When Marv Wieman moved to Crooks in 1968, he estimates the population was about 150 people.

“And now it’s close to 1,500,” said Wieman, the president of the Crooks Development Corp.

His organization struck a deal with an area farmer to develop a more than 30-acre industrial park on the northwest side of town.

“We have plans for about 13 to 15 lots,” he said. “And we’ve got six people that have put in earnest money for lots.”

He anticipates the lots could be a mix of commercial uses, from light industrial to personal services such as a dentist’s office. Others could develop into retail.

The plan is to finish site and utility work so the first businesses could start construction by spring.

“They took a unique approach to getting this done,” Fonkert said. “They found land, they created a contract for deed with a farmer, and they’ll be working to develop the north half for acreage homes.”

More residential options also are coming to Crooks.

Sioux Falls-based Van Buskirk Cos. is developing 68 single-family and multifamily lots as part of its Heritage Pond neighborhood.

“We’re going to do some income-qualified housing to help meet that need, but for the most part, it’s our typical move-up neighborhood,” Steve Van Buskirk said. “And the city will have a new amenity with a fishing pond we’re incorporating into the neighborhood.”

With support from South Dakota Game Fish & Parks, it will include a fishing pier similar to what was developed in Harrisburg.

“It’s fun to do something different,” Van Buskirk said. “And they’re super growth-oriented in Crooks. They opened up their industrial park, and it’s really happening up there.”

Streets are paved at Heritage Pond, and development has started with lots on a cul-de-sac, which are starting to go under contract. Prices range from $50,000 to $75,000. The hope is at least one home will be able to start construction yet this year.

“It’ll definitely get busy next spring,” Van Buskirk said. “The community is really an outdoor community. Every time I’m up there, kids are walking around, big groups of kids are playing soccer. They have an awesome football field and a park with a lot of houses around it, so they really have an outdoorsy, friendly community. It’s a nice atmosphere up there.”

A new Tri Valley elementary school also is being built in Crooks for grades kindergarten through third, and a recently passed bond issue will result in a new high school near Lyons.

“And the jobs are right there,” Van Buskirk added. “The service industry is right there with the Walmart nearby, and the community really is not as far away as you might think. So it’s super convenient for people who want to be near the city but don’t want to live in the big city. You can see the top of Amazon from Crooks. It’s shocking how close it is.”

The proximity to Foundation Park in northwest Sioux Falls, with jobs that will include those at the new Amazon fulfillment center, FedEx and eventually CJ Foods, “definitely helps” momentum in Crooks, Fonkert said.

“They have cool things going on,” he said. “And they know they need more commercial and multifamily activity, so they’re looking to reach out to those users. The energy is definitely building in this community.”