Sioux Falls council approves demolition of former state building on Riverline site amid homelessness and gentrification concerns

The Sioux Falls City Council voted 7-0 July 15 to award a $113,742 contract to Runge Enterprises to demolish the former South Dakota Department of Social Services building on property the city acquired July 1 as part of Riverline District planning. City officials said the structure is dilapidated, has drawn repeated police calls since it was vacated, and poses public-safety and nuisance risks; the administration told councilors the demolition will return the parcel to a “site development–ready” state while the city continues planning for possible reuse. The city plans to pay the demolition costs from the entertainment tax fund. City officials say safety and maintenance drove the decision. Director Pritchett told the council a cross‑departmental team inspected the building and concluded reuse without major investment was unlikely; Sioux Falls…