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Sioux Falls Unveils Ambitious Downtown Revitalization Plan

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/16 .. eils-ambitious-downtown-revitalization-plan.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, February 16th 2026 at 14:51 GMT by KELO Sioux Falls
      Locales: South Dakota, UNITED STATES

Sioux Falls, SD - February 16th, 2026 - Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken today unveiled the highly anticipated Sanford District Downtown plan, a comprehensive and ambitious vision for the future of the city's core. The announcement, made earlier this morning, details a multi-phased project designed to not only revitalize the downtown area but also establish Sioux Falls as a regional hub for entertainment, healthcare, and modern urban living.

For years, city planners and community stakeholders have discussed the need for a significant overhaul of the downtown infrastructure. While Sioux Falls has enjoyed steady growth, the downtown area had begun to show its age, lacking the dynamic appeal necessary to attract both residents and large-scale events. The Sanford District Downtown plan directly addresses these concerns, offering a bold roadmap for the next decade of development.

The centerpiece of the plan is a state-of-the-art events center. This facility, projected to seat upwards of 12,000 people, is intended to attract national touring acts, large conferences, and sporting events - effectively placing Sioux Falls on the map as a premier destination for entertainment in the upper Midwest. City officials anticipate that the events center alone will generate millions of dollars in economic impact annually, boosting local businesses and creating numerous job opportunities.

However, the Sanford District isn't solely focused on entertainment. A key component of the plan is the creation of diverse housing options. Recognizing the need for increased residential density downtown, the project will incorporate a mix of apartments, condominiums, and townhouses, catering to a range of income levels and lifestyles. This will not only bring more residents downtown, fostering a 24/7 vibrant atmosphere, but also help address the city's ongoing housing shortage. The designs currently propose integrating 'green building' principles with a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency.

Complementing the housing and events center will be a substantial expansion of retail spaces. The plan calls for attracting both national retailers and locally owned businesses, creating a diverse shopping experience for residents and tourists alike. Dedicated spaces are also earmarked for restaurants and cafes, further contributing to the area's lively ambiance. The design also prioritizes pedestrian-friendly walkways and bike paths, encouraging alternative modes of transportation and reducing reliance on cars.

Public green spaces are also central to the Sanford District's vision. The plan incorporates several new parks and plazas, providing residents and visitors with opportunities to relax, gather, and enjoy the outdoors. These green spaces will be meticulously landscaped and will feature public art installations, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the downtown area. The integration of green infrastructure - such as rain gardens and permeable pavements - will also help manage stormwater runoff and improve the city's overall environmental sustainability.

Crucially, the project is strategically centered around the existing Sanford Medical Center. This synergistic approach aims to leverage the medical center's presence as an anchor for the new district, creating a walkable and connected community for healthcare professionals, patients, and residents. The proximity to Sanford will also facilitate the development of complementary businesses and services, such as medical supply stores and specialized healthcare facilities.

The Sanford District Downtown plan will unfold in phases over the next several years, with the initial phase focusing on site preparation and infrastructure improvements. The events center is slated to be the first major structure to be completed, with a projected opening date of late 2028. The entire project is estimated to cost upwards of $500 million, with funding coming from a combination of public and private sources. The city is actively seeking partnerships with private developers and investors to ensure the project's long-term financial viability. Mayor TenHaken has repeatedly emphasized that this is an investment in Sioux Falls's future, one that will pay dividends for generations to come.

This isn't just about bricks and mortar; it's about building a community," TenHaken stated during the press conference. "We want to create a downtown that is vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming to all. The Sanford District Downtown plan is a bold step towards achieving that vision.