D O W N T O W N L I V I N G l L E G I S L AT U R E S C O R E C A R D l W H AT R A PI D WA N T S
JUNE 2021
Volume 2. Issue No. 6
REVITALIZING RETAIL April and Kelsey Wenzel create Sooper Dooper transformations at former grocery store
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JUNE 2021 Volume 2 // Issue No. 6
8
DAKOTA BUTCHER GOES WEST RIVER The store will include a fullservice locker, deli, bakery items, liquor store and more.
15
MOST WANTED
28
SCORING OUR LEGISLATORS
Residents express interest in new retail and dining options.
Elevate Rapid City tracked 16 pro-business bills during the 2021 Legislative Session.
35
BUILDING FOR TOMORROW
Downtown lofts and apartments brighten the city’s urban core.
RETAIL REVITALIZATION
Developers breathe new life into city’s shopping centers. Read story on page 20.
4 ELEVATE • MAY 2021
ELEVATE RAPID CITY M AY 2 0 2 1 E C O N O M I C I N D I C AT O R S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE 3.4%
AVERAGE WEEKLY WAGES $ 864
ECONOMY RAPID CITY GROSS SALES $ 721,643,725
AIRPORT PASSENGERS 36,056
BUILDING PERMITS 559
BUILDING VALUATION $55.1
REAL ESTATE
Rapid City metro statistics
ACTIVE LISTINGS 121
Month-over-month increase
MEDIAN LISTING PRICE $ 352,450
Month-over-month decrease
Monthly comparisons, industry analysis and additional economic indicators available on exclusive investor report.
elevaterapidcity.com 5
DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE No doubt you’ve heard the familiar refrain by now. The pandemic forced people to flee the cities. People can work anywhere. As a result, downtowns are dying. Not so fast. The problem with all these statements is they are more descriptive than predictive. They tell us more about what’s going on now and less about what’s going to happen in the future. And they are fraught with a big-time assumption—namely, that pandemics last forever. Of course, we know this isn’t case. Every pandemic, even before vaccines, were a temporary blip on the radar of human history. Sure, there’s been some migration from the urban core of some cities like Minneapolis and New York. And some of these moves may be permanent. But downtowns are far from dead. And Rapid City’s downtown is no exception. Don’t believe the hype. Welcome to this issue of Elevate, where we are hyping things in the other direction. This issue focuses on redevelopment, both retail and housing, with a focus on Rapid City’s urban core and corporate boundaries. Baken Park, the old K-Mart Plaza, and the core of downtown—all of them, bigger and better looking. And with the growth that is coming to the area, we think it’s only the beginning. If getting folks into Rapid City’s core 365/24/7 is your thing, then this is your issue. Stay safe and god-speed.
Tom Johnson
President & CEO, Elevate Rapid City
Tom Johnson, President & CEO Dana Borowski, Finance & Operations Director Matt Brunner, Economic Development Director Shiloh Francis, Marketing & Communications Director Anna Hays, Public Policy Director Brandis Knudsen, Small Business Development & Investor Relations Director Samantha McGrath, Workforce Development And Talent Attraction Director Mitch Nachtigall, Ecosystem Development Director Rachel Day, Events & Training Manager Andy Greenman, Creative Services Manager Liz Highland, HR Coordinator/Office Manager Becky Knox, Executive Assistant Debbie Leber, Finance Manager & Investor Coordinator Loni Reichert, Data Analyst & Program Support Coordinator Dan Logan, DoD SkillBridge Intern Design and layout: Andy Greenman Published by the Rapid City Journal Bill Masterson, Publisher, bill.masterson@bhmginc.com Advertising: Eddie Hebron, ehebron@amplifieddigitalagency.com, 605.394.8354 Printed by Simpsons Printing Elevate is a monthly publication produced by Elevate Rapid City. It is the premier business magazine for the Black Hills region telling the stories that make our area unique and vibrant. PO Box 747, Rapid City, SD 57709 605.343.1744 // elevaterapidcity.com
On the cover The mother-daughter team of April and Kelsey Wenzel are excited to bring life back to the original Sooper Dooper grocery store.
Photo by Andy Greenman 6 ELEVATE • MAY 2021
COMMENTS 2021 BUSH FELLOW
Congratulations Patri! You are going to love your time as a Bush Fellow, now and forever! - Kitty Kinsman
PROPERTY MELD BREAKS GROUND
LOVE the branding of Rapid City, becoming “Silicon Prairie!” - Jamie Wood
SMALL BUSINESS WEEK
Thank you Elevate Rapid City! We sure appreciate the recognition! Thank you Rapid City for promoting our business and helping during this past year. Not every community promotes and helps businesses in the way that you do and it is so wonderful to feel welcome!!! - Jambonz Deux
ALEX JOHNSON MERCANTILE
Jennifer is such a sweet woman who loves what she does. She really is about building relationships with people and is a friendly face in the downtown area. Stop in and check out her adorable Mercantile. - Jayme Stuen Show us how you are elevating the Rapid City region.
#elevaterapidcity
CONNECT W I T H U S! Follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/ElevateRapidCity), Instagram (@elevaterapidcity), LinkedIn (/company/elevate-rapid-city) Twitter (@Elevate_RC), and YouTube (youtube.com/elevaterapidcity). Share your thoughts and help us Elevate Rapid City together!
Send us a rant: magazine@elevaterapidcity.com
CALENDAR May 28-30
Rapid City Rush vs. Allen Americans
The Rapid City Rush ECHL hockey team takes on the Allen Americans at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Ice Arena. Purchase tickets at rapidcityrush.com.
Bands and Brews: Nick Linn
Dine, drink and dance under the stars to free live music at Firehouse Brewing Co. Local favorite Nick Linn returns to the patio stage with his eclectic blend of alternative rock, indie and pop tunes played on piano. Learn more firehousebrewing.com.
June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Community Nights in the Box
Food Trucks, live music, yard games, bounce castles and more every Tuesday in Box Elder.
June 3, 10, 27, 24
Summer Nights: Brandon Jones, 32 Below, Jagertown, Dirty Word
Summer Nights is a free, all ages event. Happy Hour takes place from 5–6 p.m. and music begins at 6 in the heart of downtown Rapid City. View calendar at rapidcitysummernights.com
June 5
20th Annual Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon
The Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon is a point-to-point course, beginning in the hamlet of Rochford and ending at the historic Engine House…the Deadwood Trailhead. Register at deadwoodmickelsontrailmarathon.com.
Spring Volksmarch at Crazy Horse Memorial
The bi-annual Crazy Horse Memorial Volksmarch is a 10K or 6.2mile woodlands ramble to the world’s largest mountain carving in progress in the southern Black Hills of South Dakota. Learn more at crazyhorsememorial.org.
June 11
Rushmore Cup Soccer Tournament
The Rushmore Cup Soccer Tournament takes place at Dakota Fields Sports Complex. Learn more at blackhillsrapids.com.
June 19
Golden Hour Live: Eve 6
The monthly Golden Hour Live Series features nationally acclaimed, live entertainment. View calendar at mainstreetsquare.org.
Wild Deadwood Reads Book Fair
Over 70 authors from all over the country will be at The Lodge in Deadwood from 10 a.m - 3 p.m. Learn more at wilddeadwoodreads.com
elevaterapidcity.com 7
Full-service meat locker opening first West River store
BY SIANDHARA BONNET
R
building on the corner of East North Street andy Gruenwald hates the word “no” and Anamosa Street after renovations when it comes to customer service. are complete in June. Dakota Butcher is a The Dakota Butcher owner takes daily-owned South Dakota company with a pride in his workers that provide service with a smile. full-service meat locker, fresh and smoked products, deli and bakery. “Our customers don’t stand around in our Randy said the new location will have the business without somebody greeting them or largest variety of things they do in the store finding out if they want something,” he said. “You get me in a bad mood but will also function as the company’s distribution when I see people not getting served right away center for the western side "Our customers don’t of the state. or getting told no.” Dakota Butcher has five Gruenwald hopes to find stand around in our other locations in Clark, hardworking and good business without Watertown and Madison. people to staff Dakota Butcher’s first West River The Rapid City location somebody greeting them location in Rapid City for will include the full-service or finding out if they its opening in June. locker, deli, bakery items, want something." liquor store and beer cave, Randy and his wife and sitting area for people Karen will open the - Randy Gruenwald to eat any of the company’s 12,000-square-foot Owner, Dakota Butcher
8 ELEVATE • MAY 2021
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"We just really felt that we could do better with the business if I was there full-time helping manage it." - Karen Gruenwald
made-from-scratch meals. Karen said they sell sandwiches, pulled pork, ribs, smoked chicken, pizzas, ready to go chislic seasoning, jalapeno poppers, stuffed mushrooms, tiger meat, jerky and hot dogs, to name a few. Randy said the plan is to open other stores in West River and provide Dakota Butcher products in convenience stores throughout communities like Hills City and Keystone. He said they're also considering opening up their Clark-based slaughterhouse to serve West River ranchers, although details haven't been finalized. The Gruenwalds their first location in Clark in 2009 after the local meat locker closed in 2007. “(Karen) said to me and her exact works were, and she’ll deny this, but her exact words were, ‘we should try that, Randy,’ because she knew that we could succeed,” Randy said. Throughout college, Randy worked at Kessler’s Grocery in Aberdeen and continued with Nash Finch after he graduated. After living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for about three years, the Gruenwalds decided it was time to move back home to be closer to family. Randy picked up a banking job in 1998 and became one of the top lenders for Dacotah Bank while 10 ELEVATE • MAY 2021
Karen finished her nursing degree. In 2009, Randy tried to sell the old meat locker location with no success, but knew it was worth a try. “I thought well, if we got it going then we could sell it and show people (it’s possible),” Randy said. “That didn’t happen,” Karen said. Karen left nursing and joined the ownership and management front for the store. Randy worked with the bank and Dakota Butcher for about five years until he left banking to pursue the shop full time. “It was a little too much for me to do both,” he said. “We had good managers in the meantime that could run it without me, but we decided that our kids were out of school, the pressure was off as an income provider because our kids graduated for the most part. We just really felt that we could do better with the business if I was there full-time helping manage it.” Soon after a local liquor store owner moved into the facility and sold the Gruenwalds the liquor license, which started the combination meat and liquor store for Dakota Butcher. Randy and Karen’s son Aaron now runs the liquor component in the East River locations. In 2015, the Gruenwalds expanded the
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"We cannot be at every store, we can’t do it, so we teach the culture of God, family then work." - Randy Gruenwald
company to Watertown and now have a west location, eastside location with steakhouse and the North Shore Restaurant, and opened a Madison location in 2019. Randy was named as SBA Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year in 2020 during SBA Small Business Week. Randy said he’s thankful for his experience as a banker and learned a lot from his customers about how to run his own business. He said over time, the lesson that sticks with them is how to manage people, which is a culture the Gruenwalds try to teach their employees. “Our success wholly, solely depends on our people that we have working,” Randy said. “Karen and I cannot do it. We cannot be at every store, we can’t do it, so we teach the culture of God, family then work.”
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ready to grow. Behind every business and bold move were those who believed it was possible to do more. We’re proud to support and energize our community’s dreams. Visit blackhillsenergy.com/growing to learn more.
elevaterapidcity.com 13
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Rapid City's
MOST WANTED Residents express interest in new retail and dining options in recent survey BY ELEVATE RAPID CITY
Chick-Fil-A was the clear winner with more than double the votes of the next closes chain, Cheesecake Factory. To maintain consistent quality service, Chick-Fil-A is incredibly strict with their franchising. The company chooses the location, buys the real estate, constructs the restaurant, and purchases the equipment. Now that a Chick-Fil-A is adding their first standalone restaurant in the state, the opportunity for continued expansion remains strong.
M
ore than 60 out-ofstate businesses are currently looking at Rapid City for relocation or expansion. These businesses represent a wide spectrum of industries like manufacturing, technology, construction, and professional services. They also pay bring higher paying jobs and create an avenue for college graduates wanting to stay in the Black Hills region. As much as these discussions center on infrastructure, taxes, and workforce, they also revolve around quality of life and amenities. The Black Hills are one-of-a-kind. But amenities also mean shopping, dining, and entertainment—opportunities for existing businesses to expand and grow. More than 2,400 people responded to a recent survey from Elevate Rapid City to understand what kinds of opportunities people wanted most. Take a look at how the region voted.
DINING 1. Chick-Fil-A
Closest location: Sioux Falls, SD (Fall 2021)
2. Cheesecake Factory Closest location: Denver, CO
3. Red Robin
Closest location: Sioux Falls, SD View the top 10 dining options at elevaterapidcity.com
Local Opportunities One of the more notable trends from the survey was the desire for more brunch options and the need for outdoor, pet-friendly options. Be sure to email matt.brunner@ elevaterapidcity.com if your business is looking to expand and wants to know about how Elevate Rapid City can help. elevaterapidcity.com 15
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Like many of the specialty grocers on the list, Trader Joe’s typically requires a population concentration of 200,000+ within an MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Areas). As of 1/2021, Rapid City’s MSA sits at around 145,000.
RETAIL
Local Opportunities
1. Trader Joe’s
Closest location: Fort Collins, CO
2. Costco
Closest location: Bismarck, ND
3. Hy-Vee
Closest location: Sioux Falls, SD View the top 10 retail options at elevaterapidcity.com
Focus groups identified several needs that could be met by local businesses. Children’s clothing stores seemed to be in high demand as Carter’s and OshKosh were both mentioned a notable number of times. There also seems to be a strong gap in professional attire as women and men both stated a need for more options to shop clothing and shoes.
Entertainment and Amenities When it comes to outdoor recreation, the Black Hills are second-to-none in what is offered. You don’t have to go far to hit the trails, enjoy scenery, or take advantage of national parks. However, it is also clear that in addition to the natural amenities there is a need for some more built entertainment options. Defining entertainment was one of the largest struggles of the survey as generic concepts better describe the gaps as opposed to specific brands. Trends did begin to emerge, however. People are looking for opportunities to spend an extended amount of time as a group with either friends and/or children and families. This was clear in the comments and as Top Golf and Dave & Buster’s were in the top 3 of the survey. (We’d definitely recommend checking out the new Game On!) Secondly, Rapid City is wanting more indoor opportunities and ways to be entertained in the winter months – especially with children. An Interactive Children’s Museum was the #1 voted amenity. Zoos/aquariums, indoor playlands, and roller-skating rinks were commonly mentioned. Another common-thread for family-friendly activities was the request for an amusement or water park. A final common occurrence was the need for more fitness opportunities. From specialty gyms like Orange Theory to an indoor walking track, there is a gap that seems to exist for group fitness and gym access.
elevaterapidcity.com 17
18 ELEVATE • MAY 2021
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gpna.com elevaterapidcity.com 19
REVITALIZING
RETAIL Developers breathe new life into city’s shopping centers by Michelle Pawelski Photos by Andy Greenman
20 ELEVATE • MAY 2021
elevaterapidcity.com 21
KYLE TRELOAR
"Big box stores were up and coming and the Kmart development was right at the forefront of revitalizing retail at the time." - Kyle Treloar Vice President, Dream Design International
22 ELEVATE • MAY 2021
I
n its heyday, Rapid City’s Kmart, located at the busy intersection of Campbell and East North streets, attracted thousands of locals and visitors with its affordable products and aisles of offerings. Opened in the mid 1960s, Kmart was one of many big-box stores popping up all over the country. Not long after Kmart was built, two more expansions were added to the west making the total plaza nearly 200,000 square feet. The strip mall included the Northgate Theatre, which opened in 1973, as well as a restaurant and arcade. “It was really a big thing at the time,” said Kyle Treloar, vice president of Dream Design International, the company renovating Dakota Market Square, the plaza’s new name. “Big-box stores were up and coming and the Kmart development was right at the forefront of revitalizing retail at the time.” Several other retail areas in the city also flourished during the 1960s and 1970s, but changes in consumer behaviors and an increase in online shopping left many of these large discount stores and strip malls vacant. But now local developers are transforming several of these retail centers throughout the city into new, modern community-centered spaces by replacing large asphalt parking lots with landscaping and walking paths,
elevaterapidcity.com 23
"We want it to feel like a place where people want to go; where people want to sit out and eat and stay for a while." - Kyle Treloar
DAKOTA MARKET SQUARE featuring coffee shops, new eateries, and quaint boutiques. “We want it to feel like a place where people want to go; where people want to sit out and eat and stay for a while,” Treloar said about the future of Dakota Market Square “We are bringing this whole area back to life.” Dream Design purchased the property in 2018 prior to Sears Holdings closing the Kmart in March 2019. Renovations began last spring focusing on the western portion of the property including a total remodel of the former Northgate Theatre. The finished space, previously leased by Decory’s Entertainment Center, has a modern feel while keeping the character of the building, Treloar said adding that with a full kitchen it is ideal for a restaurant. The new façade of the building, featuring rock columns and large flower planters, will be complete by the end of the year. Dream Design will remodel the inside to meet each users’ needs, Treloar said. The majority of the 185,000-square-foot property is leased with new tenants including the South Dakota Archaeological Society, Monument Health dialysis clinic, and the Salon Professional Academy, an academy of cosmetology. The salon will be moving from its current downtown location. “We are beyond excited to be a part of the revitalization of
24 ELEVATE • MAY 2021
the area,” said Wendy Beaumont, owner and director of operations for the Salon Professional Academy. “This has been a dream in the making for a long time. We are excited to bring to Rapid City something they have not seen or experienced before.” The salon, which plans to open in, will have classrooms but also an area where students will be able to perform various services on guests. They will offer full hair, nail, and skin care along with massage therapy services. “I really wanted my business to be a part of the community and to be able to give back as well.” Aside from the complete remodel of the former Kmart building, Dream Design is also building a new 10,000-square-foot strip mall at the northern end of the parking lot, the location of the former Hardee’s and most recently a Mexican restaurant. Possible tenants include a coffee shop, fast food eatery and a tax agency. Treloar said it has been fun reinventing one of the city’s iconic shopping areas. “There were certain things we targeted that we thought would bring this area back to life. You are never going to find that 180,000-square-foot Kmart – that kind of commercial retailer is gone. You have to think of what you can bring to draw people back here.”
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Across town, two more of the city’s historic shopping centers are also taking on new life. April and Kelsey Wenzel are excited to bring some new offerings to West side residents with the transformation of the former Family Thrift Express on Sturgis Road. The motherdaughter team purchased the property, which included the two buildings on either side, in April 2020 with a goal of opening a coffee shop, a longtime dream of Kelsey’s. “I worked at (a coffee shop) as my first job and it just stuck with me that I loved it,” said the 24-year-old who also spent many afternoons studying at KOYOTE Dunn Bros. The Wenzels moved from Wyoming to Rapid City in 2006 seeking a better opportunity for their three daughters. “We wanted a change and better weather,” April said of the move. The Koyote Koffee name comes from the family’s roots in both Wyoming and South Dakota. April and Kelsey decided on the Sturgis Road property after it sat vacant for a few years. The 6,400-square-foot building opened in 1957 as a Sooper Dooper grocery store. In 2005, it became a Family Thrift, now Family Fare, store transitioning into a FTC Express before closing in 2017. “We saw the property wasn’t selling for a while, and since I’ve always wanted to do a coffee shop, we saw this as an opportunity and decided to go for it.” They originally envisioned using the building to the south for the coffee shop, however, the space could not accommodate a drive through. “We knew there was an interest in the other buildings, so we sold those off right away,” April said. The building to the north is now the Iron Phnx, a beer and wine bar with a steam punk theme. Demolition on the strip mall began in September, and April and Kelsey hope to open Koyote Koffee in the beginning of July. “We are finally to the point where we see our walls and where our register will go… now it feels real,” April said. While the strip mall has a new modern feel with its sleek white and grey façade accented with ocean blue, Kelsey and April wanted to keep some of the nostalgia of the area by naming it the Sooper Dooper Plaza. They also
26 ELEVATE • MAY 2021
"We wanted a change and better weather." - April Wenzel Co-Owner, Koyote Koffee
KOFFEE kept the old lights off the building and may utilize them in some fashion in the future. “We were going to try to use them on our patio, but they are too big and replacement parts would cost more than new lights.” Koyote Koffee will have a western, homey feel, and April and Kelsey hope it turns into a gathering spot for locals. “We want those old gentlemen that love to sit and drink a pot of coffee,” April said. The mother and daughter partners also want to get involved with the community hoping to host fundraisers for organizations such as the nearby dance studio or the humane society. They are finishing some details before their July opening including getting staff hired and trained and finalizing their coffee menu. April and Kelsey are using Daily Adventure Coffee Co., a local roaster out of Hisega, for their coffee. “We like that she is local, and if we want to change one of our blends, we can run out there and she will work with us,” April said. They plan to have a small menu featuring a few breakfast and lunch sandwiches as well as grab-and-go items. The retail center has three additional suites that are available for lease through Kelly Howie with Remax. April hopes to get an eatery in one unit which will add to the offerings available for the West side neighborhoods. Like Treloar, April and Kelsey hope the Sooper Dooper Plaza attracts people who want to sit on the patio and stay for a while.
THEN: BAKEN PARK One of the city’s oldest and most recognizable shopping centers is also getting a complete facelift. Baken Park is undergoing a major renovation by owners M.G. Oil Company who purchased the property in the fall of 2019. Prior to its life as a retail hot spot, Baken Park looked more like an actual park than a shopping center with modern, tourist cottages lining the banks of Rapid Creek. The
NOW: THE PARK
To be complete by early 2022
area also had a small lake with an island, according to Dave Kulish, general manager of M.G. Oil. The retail area, built in 1957, has been home to many retailers and professional offices over the years including Red Owl, Piggly Wiggly, TCBY Yogurt, and Three Sisters clothing store. Family Fare, Boyds Drug Mart, French’s Cleaners, and Buffalo Wild Wings are among tenants that have been at Baken Park for many years, and several new businesses are moving in such as Weathered Vane, Rare Finds and Luxe Haircare and Skincare. “We only have a few spaces left at this time,” Kulish said. While it has been through several transformations throughout the decades,
including repairs made after damage from the 1972 flood, the current renovations will completely modernize the 200,000-squarefoot historic center. Design features include patios, landscaping, new parking lot and lighting, and a breeze way creating ease of parking on both sides of the plaza, Kulish said. Renovations on the plaza, which began early last year, are scheduled to be completed by the end of the summer. M.G. Oil will then finish The Park, a 30,000-square-foot bar, restaurant, casino, patio, and entertainment venue. The Park will play host to a variety of events from live music and comedians to weddings and business functions. “This venue is designed for optimum sound acoustics, video wall and many more features unlike anything in Rapid City,” Kulish said. The Park should be completed late 2021 or early 2022. Like the founders of large discount stores and strip malls of the ‘60s and ‘70s, local developers know their new vision with unique offerings, green space, sidewalks, cafes, and community-focused businesses is creating a whole new era of the retail experience. “There really has been a shift in how we look at retail,” Treloar said. “It is the same thing that happened back in the 60s.”
"This venue is designed for optimum sound acoustics, video wall and many more features unlike anything in Rapid City." - Dave Kulish
General Manager, M. G. Oil
elevaterapidcity.com 27
E L E V A T E R A P I D C I T Y P R O - B U S I N E S S
2021 LEGISLATIVE SCORECARD Elevate took a strong policy position on 16 bills during the 2021 Legislative Session to advocate for the Rapid City business community. This pro-business scorecard reflects the voting record of local legislators on these key issues. Pro-Business Champion
Support Elevate’s position 28 ELEVATE • MAY 2021
Prime Bill Sponsors for Elevate
Oppose Elevate’s position ◆
◆ Bill died in committee prior to floor vote
E
levate Rapid City is excited to publish our 2021 Legislative Scorecard to celebrate our legislative allies in the Rapid City Area (Districts 30, 32, 33, 34 and 35). This accountability tool serves as an invaluable data and experience-driven resource to help the business community understand the positions of our local legislators. Six legislators improved their score in 2021 after the release of the 2020 scorecard, which reflects our efforts to build strong, productive relationships with area legislators. As Elevate continues to advocate for opportunities that provide direct benefit to our regional economic environment, we want to celebrate the political leaders who help make it happen. Equally as important, Elevate commits to protect our business owners from policies that may hinder future success, quality growth, and opportunity. We encourage local businesses and industry to leverage the scorecard as a resource. It can be natural to keep politics at arms-length, but what happens at the State Capitol significantly affects businesses and quality of life. That is why Elevate seeks to make the entry-point for following legislative discussions as easy and factual as possible. The 2022 Election Cycle is on the horizon, and soon the community will be asked to decide the best candidates to represent our region. We work hard to advocate for policies that elevate the region for all, and the scorecard showcases these policymakers who support a clear vision for the future of the Black Hills.
— Did not vote
* Committee vote
If you want to know more about the Elevate Public Policy Guide that outlines the parameters of our policy work, check it out on ElevateRapidCity.com. View bill descriptions on the following page. elevaterapidcity.com 29
BILL TITLES HB 1210 Make an appropriation to the Board of Regents to provide grant funding for a new bioproducts facility at the research park in Brookings, and to declare an emergency. SB 93 Make an appropriation to rehabilitate the rail line from west of the city of Fort Pierre to the city of Rapid City and to declare an emergency. SB 144 Make an appropriation to provide for a crisis stabilization unit and to declare an emergency. SB 155 Appropriate funds to support revolving funds for multifamily workforce housing and to declare an emergency. SB 156 Authorize the Board of Regents to contract for the construction of a Mineral Industry Building and the demolition of the old Mineral Industry Building on the campus of South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, to make an appropriation therefor, and to declare an emergency. SB 158 Appropriate funds for the purchase of the former Ascent Innovation Center and to declare an emergency. 30 ELEVATE • MAY 2021
SB 162 Appropriate funds for airport route restoration, business development, and air service marketing and to declare an emergency. HB 1253 Make an appropriation for developing the Mickelson Trail and to declare an emergency. SB 171 Provide for the South Dakota Freedom Scholarship, make an appropriation therefor, and declare an emergency. HB 1046 Limit liability for certain exposures to COVID-19. HB 1053 Establish an annual fee for certain electric motor vehicles. HB 1094 Revise certain provisions regarding the municipal zoning and appeals process. SB 96 Revise certain provisions regarding the use of telehealth technologies. SB 151 Make an appropriation to provide for infrastructure to support Ellsworth Air Force Base and to declare an emergency.
HB 1019 Make an appropriation to the South Dakota Ellsworth Development Authority and to declare an emergency. HB 1166 Make an appropriation to support the Ellsworth Air Force Base and to declare an emergency.
What is the Emergency Clause? You may notice many of the bill titles end with the language “… and to declare an emergency.” What does this mean? The language commonly referred to as the “emergency clause” means if there is fund expenditure or appropriation identified in the bill, those monies can be transferred as soon as the bill is signed by the Governor. Otherwise the funds aren’t available for a few months until the beginning of the next fiscal year. With the additional one-time funds available as a result of COVID-19 stimulus dollars, the emergency clause was commonly used this year to ensure the money could be spent in the timeline determined by the federal government. An important note: every emergency clause triggers a two-thirds majority vote in both Chambers to pass – not a simple majority required by typical legislation.
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Elevate Rapid City is a merged organization of the Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development, and Innovation center. Since its launch in 2019 Elevate has been working hard to serve the region for everyone.
15 YEARS OF FOSTERING INNOVATION IN RAPID CITY
We've come a long way since the Rapid City Business Incubator began in 2006.
25 GRADUATED
BUSINESSES
400 PRIMARY JOBS CREATED
$
60M
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
GRADUATES INCLUDE: Applied Research Associates (satellite), B9Creations, Caterpillar (satellite), Property Meld, VRC Metal Systems. Capital Expenditures: Total amount companies have invested or received in investments into their local operations.
UPCOMING EVENTS GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS CONNECTION JUNE 3 // 7:30 P.M.
Rapid City Area Schools will give an update on facilities planning, High School Academies launch, new school year planning, and the June School Board Election. This is a great opportunity to network and stay updated on the happenings in our community!
RECRUITING AND RETAINING EMPLOYEES TRAINING JUNE 8 // 1:00 P.M. ELEVATE RAPID CIT Y
Elevate is excited to host an in-person training with national speaker Mike Henke. During this training, you will learn the keys to retention and employee engagement. You will also learn successful strategies to recruit new hires from entry-level to professional positions and more.
NETWORKING MIXER JUNE 8 // 4:30 P.M.
Join Elevate Rapid City for our networking mixer at the Holiday Inn Rapid City - Rushmore Plaza. The Holiday Inn will present the grand reveal of renovation renderings.
LEARN MORE AND REGISTER AT ELEVATERAPIDCITY.COM 32 ELEVATE • MAY 2021
GET BEHIND OUR DIAPER DRIVE!
Ready for a career change? Do you have a bachelor’s degree, but you want to become a nurse? Get your B.S.N. in Rapid City in just 12 months.
www.sdstate.edu/nursing
elevaterapidcity.com 33
Elevate Rapid City is a merged organization of the Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development, and Innovation center. Since its launch in 2019 Elevate has been working hard to serve the region.
2021 WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS ANNOUNCED
DEXTER
CADE
JACOB
TYLER
The Workforce Development Committee of Elevate Rapid City and the Black Hills Area Community Foundation are pleased to announce the Rapid City Workforce Development Scholarship winners. These Scholarships are awarded to Rapid City residents who are pursuing higher education to advance their skills while attending Rapid City schools in order to successfully participate in the public sector of the Rapid City area. All applicants selected will be attending school at one of the following institutes: South Dakota Mines and the University of South Dakota Rapid City. The following students were the recipients for the 2021 Elevate Rapid City Workforce Development Scholarships: Dexter Carman, $2,500; Cade Jacobson, $2,000; Jacob West, $1,500; and Tyler Kleinsasser, $1,000.
Question: : How do we divide summertime with children from divorce? Answer: Most DIVORCED or UNWED SEPARATED parents communicate very well for summertime activities and vacations with children. South Dakota Parenting Guidelines encourages parents to share the summer if living in proximity with one another. If living far apart, extended time with non-custodial parent is strongly encouraged. If you need help working out a summer schedule, please call BLACK HILLS MEDIATION AND LAW. CONTACT: Lorie Melone at Black Hills Mediation and Law to get legal assistance. 605-791-4850
Lorie D. Melone 1107 Mt. Rushmore Road, Suite #3A Rapid City, SD 57701 Phone: 605-791-4950 Lorie D. Melone • Family Law Attorney & Certified Mediator
34 ELEVATE • MAY 2021
Proudly serving the Black Hills for 67 years and counting!
- BUILT ON SERVICE -
BUILT TO LAST
605.342.5587 - northwestpipe.com
Photo by Andy Greenman
Downtown living, the next step to a vibrant city center
KC LOFTS BY MAIN STREET SQUARE
N
idea was new. It was hard to get support ew residents have flocked to Rapid because the idea of luxury downtown living City over the past twelve months was unheard of. Sure, we had small studio just as the lack of housing options apartments available downtown but they were have become a frequent topic of 450 square feet. We were changing people’s conversation. With an expected wave of new ideas of what downtown living looked like,” demand in conjunction with the arrival of stated Senftner. the B-21 fleet at Ellsworth Air Force Base By 2019, Rapid City and the efforts of economic had still not seen much development and recruitment in the expansion of by regional and state officials, "It was hard to get support progress downtown living other than our housing needs at all levels South Dakota Mines student of income has become critical. because the idea of luxury housing. The heartbeat of This includes the growing downtown living was Rapid City remained vibrant desire for more and diverse unheard of. " with visitors. A steady downtown options. - Dan Senftner stream of tourists continued The idea of living in our President of Destination Rapid City city’s urban core is not new. to venture downtown, in large part to Main Street Dan Senftner, President of Destination Rapid City, began Square that had become our community’s anchor. But after sundown, the adaptive re-use of warehouse space into it became a ghost town. Still, visionaries were luxury lofts above retail stores on St. Joseph working behind the scenes to expand on what Street in 2008. The idea was so “outside of Senftner had started long before. the box,” Dan faced an uphill battle getting financing to realize his vision. “Banks in the Local and statewide developers such as Legacy Development, Dream Design area had no blueprint to work from as this elevaterapidcity.com 35
"The key to a successful downtown, to a successful greater community, is when the urban core is occupied 24 hours a day." - Jim Adelstein
THE ELEMENTS
"A vibrant city center was already in place with the development of Main Street Square but this remained mostly a day-time experience." - Jim Adelstein
36 ELEVATE • MAY 2021
International, Inc. and Northwestern Engineering all have undertaken projects to inject additional life into Rapid City. “A vibrant city center was already in place with the development of Main Street Square but this remained mostly a daytime experience. By nightfall, things fell dark and silent and lifeless. Downtown needed living, breathing souls twentyfour hours a day for it to really come alive,” stated Jim Adelstein, President of Northwestern. “The key to a successful downtown, to a successful greater community, is when the urban core is occupied 24 hours a day.” His company adopted Senftner’s model from 2008 to create “The 605” on Main Street, which opened its seven lofts to downtown residents in 2020. “Downtown living works everywhere else, and it can work in downtown Rapid City. Dan Senftner proved it a long time ago. We already have tourism, but it all comes together when tourists mix and mingle with the locals; tourists go where locals go. But they can’t do that unless you have places for locals first,” added Adelstein. A report titled The Value of U.S. Downtowns and Center Cities published by The International Downtown Association in 2018 stated that after a long period of decline in the middle and late 20th elevaterapidcity.com 36
elevaterapidcity.com 37
Photos provided
THE 605
WINDSOR BLOCK HISTORICAL LOFTS
38 ELEVATE • MAY 2021
century, America's downtowns have experienced a resurgence in growth, livability, accessibility, and economic output. Over the past two decades, all but five of the 50 largest downtowns and central business districts in the country experienced residential population growth. Rapid City is finally following suit. Additional apartment/condo complexes are in the works including KC Lofts, opening this summer; The Elements, expected to be complete in summer of 2022; and the proposed 6th and St. Joseph multi-use project slated to break ground later this year. These projects will provide more options for residents downtown. Adelstein believes the evolution of downtown Rapid City has just begun. “We are not building for today; we are building for tomorrow. The best is yet to come.”
HIP KNEE
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To start your journey to a stronger you, call (605) 341-1414 or visit www.bhosc.com to request an appointment online.
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