In 2023, several Sioux Falls community leaders identified an opportunity to maximize the use of riverfront land on the southeastern edge of Downtown Sioux Falls. With its proximity to the river, the bike trail, the Whittier neighborhood, and a growing and prospering downtown, this property was identified as having much greater potential for vibrancy and long term impact for the Sioux Falls region.
This next chapter — the Riverline District — is an opportunity for Sioux Falls to dream big. Our community has done just that, and Forward Sioux Falls has been a part of the ideation and visionary process, and has also provided financial support for conducting a Highest and Best Use Analysis and Economic Impact Study for the Riverline District.
This report was released in early 2024 in tandem with the February announcement of a visionary plan for the community from the Friends of the Riverline District and the City of Sioux Falls. This 2050 vision includes the development of a modern and appropriately sized convention center and repurposing the existing Sioux Falls Convention Center into a flexible public indoor recreation and event space, which will help fill the community’s stated demand for this type of indoor facility.
On July 9, 2024, the City of Sioux Falls released the “Convention Center Review and Market Analysis” for the Riverline District during the City Council Informational. Several representatives from Johnson Consulting, based out of Chicago, IL, compiled the study and presented it to the City Council. This is part of a comprehensive and phased approach to analyzing the feasibility of developing a new convention center at the Riverline District at Tenth Street and Cliff Avenue.
The “Convention Center Review and Market Analysis” by Johnson Consulting shows that Sioux Falls would support a newer and larger convention center at the Riverline District and that it’s a feasible development at that location from a market standpoint.
“Downtown Sioux Falls is growing toward Tenth Street and Cliff Avenue, so it’s important we are strategic in the steps we take now to maximize the potential of the Riverline District,” said Mayor Paul TenHaken. “This market analysis is part of our due diligence with the Riverline District to ensure this visionary plan emphasizes the well-being of our community and economic vitality for Sioux Falls.”
“We continue to see the potential positive impacts the investment of the Riverline District will not only have on the area directly at Tenth Street and Cliff Avenue but also for businesses downtown and throughout the community,” said Lynne Keller Forbes, co-chair of Friends of the Riverline District. “We are taking a multi-faceted approach to this project to continue the momentum of this bold vision for our community.”
To read more about the Market Analysis, click here.