SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) -- City services are being taken to the next level when the new City Center opens this summer.
"This grand investment will provide the best in service and pride for our citizens and employees for generations to come. Over 80 years is a long time to wait since building our grand old City hall in 1935, but the wait and effort is worth it," says Mayor Mike Huether.
The new building aims to centralize departments that serve residents and businesses into a "government corridor" in downtown Sioux Falls. It will be fully staffed and open for business on Monday, June 25.
The $21.9 million project includes two finished stories, a third-story shell, footings and foundations for a future fourth floor, underground parking and storage, improvements to Van Eps Park, and the Dakota Avenue Road Diet.
City Councilor Rex Rolfing remembers how people were upset due to disturbances at Van Eps Park. There were fights, a lot of drinking, and loitering. Rolfing said, "Little did I know that in 2018 we'd be standing here celebrating the opening of this much needed new administration building that's going to stand tall as a symbol of the growth of Sioux Falls that we've been blessed with."
Construction at Van Eps Park will continue until August and will include a shelter, walkways enhanced lighting and landscaping, trees, a sculpture, and irrigated green space.
Licensing, Parks and Recreation Administration, Planning and Building Services, Engineering, and Public Works Administration all will be housed at City Center, totaling about 125 city employees.
Fire Prevention, Public Parking, Utility Billing, City Attorney's Office, Mayor's Office, Affordable Housing, Community Development, Human Resources, and Finance will be centralized to City Hall.
