Sioux Falls breaks records for construction

  • 2015-01-16
Last year was an excellent one for the construction trades in Sioux Falls, officials for the city have confirmed.

Representatives announced on January 5 that almost all construction areas saw amazing growth in 2014. In fact, the city set records in three areas.

Sioux Falls issued nearly 15,000 building permits, which were worth approximately $620m. The city set another record for the number of housing units built. Mike Cooper, the Sioux Falls city planner, said the number included all types of dwellings, including multifamily units and single-family homes.

Cooper said that the record-breaking growth is the result of one thing: an increase in the number of jobs available. He also pointed out that an increase in the number of people who are employed drives growth in all sectors of the community.

Commercial development also profited from the improving economy. Ron Bell, who is the city's building services director, said 65 separate projects were in work, each exceeding $1m. The new developments kept construction workers busy for the entire year. Among the construction projects were new schools, new hotels, and the Scheels Ice Plex, which is a complex for all kinds of activities that take place on ice, including figure skating, curling, and hockey. It can also be rented for parties.

City officials might consider working with brochure printers to develop a booklet about the opportunities in the city.