MITCHELL, S.D. (KELO) – Mitchell is known for being home to the World’s Only Corn Palace, but that’s not the only thing the southeastern South Dakota town has to offer. And now there’s also been a push to revitalize a part of town that gets a lot of attention.
Every year, thousands of people come to Mitchell to see the Corn Palace, but that’s not the only thing visitors can find here along Main Street.
There are multiple shops and restaurants, including The Depot, way at the end of downtown. The restaurant has been a staple for the community since 1992.
“It’s grown exponentially since then, it was basically a bar when I took over. From that point on it grew into one of the premier restaurants in town,” John Foster, co-owner of The Depot, said.
There are some newer finds in downtown Mitchell, as well, including Palace City Brewing Company, Adamo’s Italian Kitchen and Bread and Vine.
“We were honored to be the successor owner. We just freshened some things up and kept the menu and kept the staff that wanted to stay,” Denise Del Favero, owner of Bread and Vine, said.
It’s businesses like these that help keep Mitchell’s Main Street alive. Recently, there’s also been some work happening to bring more vibrancy to downtown. At Bread and Vine that was done through a new front facade. Inside, a mural was painted on the back wall.
“Beautify Main Street Mitchell, and I know that’s in works with a lot of businesses,” Denise Del Favero said.
At The Depot, a new patio was constructed to give customers the option for some outdoor dining.
“You know, the downtown area of most cities or towns is the heart of your city or your town and we wholeheartedly believe in that,” Stephanie Vaughan, co-owner of The Depot, said. “So, we wanted to be a part of that in keeping our building nice, you know, expanding on that.”
These upgrades and expansions are all part of a larger goal for both the businesses and an organization called Mitchell Main Street and Beyond.
“And we are a non-profit organization dedicated to helping the revitalization efforts of downtown Mitchell,” Elizabeth Luczak, Executive Director of Mitchell Main Street and Beyond, said.
Luczak says they help businesses with the revitalization through programs and grants.
“Now, with that plan, it’s been in the works for 7+ years, we’re coming into the head of it,” Luczak said. “We’ve got to say thank you to all of our small business owners because they are the true key in making downtown successful.”
Apart from the businesses, there have also been some changes happening to the streetscapes, which is why you’ll find some construction happening amongst the beautifying.
But that’s not where the revitalization ends.
“We have a new art scene down here too. We are working on getting sculptures down here, there’s art up, down and around,” Luczak said. “We have a Creative Way, which is an art alley, new sculptures and window paintings everywhere you look.”
Doing everything they can to keep the heart of Mitchell beating.
“Over time, I’ve seen a lot of empty buildings and now they’re coming back. They’re coming back strong,” Foster said.
“There’s an opportunity for other people to come to Mitchell. It is a little bit of a sleepy town, but it doesn’t need to be. It can go ahead and thrive amazingly if people want to come here and spend the time and effort,” Jeff Del Favero, owner of Bread and Vine, said.
“Progress is always a little bit difficult at times but at the end, we’re so happy with it and it looks great,” Vaughan said. “And it’s very inviting for whether you’re a tourist or you are a local to walk downtown, walk the main street. We want people to enjoy everything on main street.”
There have also been more events happening recently in downtown Mitchell like bi-monthly restaurant rumbles and 1st Fridays on Main.
