SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.am) -- 2017 is another record year for construction permits in Sioux Falls, the fifth record year in a row.
"thinking we could do it for one year, then two year, then three, no chance in heck for four, and now we've made it to five." exults Mayor Mike Huether.
More than $720 million in construction permit value has already been booked this year, shattering last year's record of about $702 million.
The project that put the city over the top this year was a $24 million permit for part of Avera Health's new campus at 69th Street and Louise Avenue, which will likely be the largest building project in Sioux Falls' history.
Mayor Huether predicts still another record year in 2018, with a big jump start from Avera of some $100 million.
Huether says these records mean more than just bragging rights. They reflect the city's growing economic opportunities and quality of life.
"Young people when they graduate, they first decide on where they want to live, and then they go find a job," Huether says that's different than the old days when you got a job, pretty much regardless of where it was. The job came first, now it seems life style and quality of life come first.
This year’s building permit record was also driven in part by the continued strong demand for housing.
