SF Council approves $113k to raze former DSS building

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — During Tuesday’s Sioux Falls City Council meeting, the members voted 7-0 to approve a plan to tear down the former South Dakota Department of Social Services building, located at 811 E 10th Street, acquired by the city on July 1, 2025.

The item had been placed on the consent calendar, but was removed following a motion from Councilor Miranda Basye. Sioux Falls Finance Director Shawn Pritchett was in attendance to pitch the proposal, which was a $113,000 contract to Runge Construction to raze the site. He began with an apology.

“First of all, I have to apologize,” Pritchett began. “This comes as a little bit of a surprise to you given our administration had communicated to you back in September that we would not be razing the building until we had a plan for the building.”

Pritchett said despite being present when the council had been told that the site would not be razed, he had not recognized it was said.

“I do apologize for the fact. There is no room for interpretation — it was very specifically stated that we would not raze the building unless we had a plan for the building,” he said.

Despite this, the city administration did indeed ask the council to demolish the building. Pritchett told the council that a city team made up of Public Works, Parks, Finance, Facilities and Police surveyed the building, finding that there was no current use for the building due to its poor condition and the costs of improving it.

Pritchett also noted the building was becoming a security risk and public nuisance due to people experiencing homelessness breaking into the building and damaging it. He also noted a vacant and decaying building was not a pleasant sight.

Though there is not currently a plan in place for the property, Pritchett said the city feels the best option is to demolish the building and plant grass while considering future development, which could include a convention center.

In June, the Riverline Steering Committee met to hear from a consultant on possible plans for development, which includes a downtown convention center. KELOLAND’s Lauren Soulek covered the meeting, and reported the development is still in early planning stages.

At the time, the consultant estimated the cost of the convention center could be between $225 and $250 million. The consultant also estimated an economic impact of $55.8 million annually, the addition of 278 full-time equivalent jobs and a $2.7 million fiscal impact.

Sioux Falls Police Chief Jon Thum also spoke Tuesday, telling the council the department had received 21 calls to the building since May 1, 2025 for things such as break-ins. Thum said the building was attracting negative attention. He said removing the building would increase the security of the area.

Following comments from the public, Basye asked Pritchett if there is a plan in place for the property if they do vote to demolish it. He answered that there is nothing decided, but that the building is unsafe and unsightly, and a plan could be discussed after demolition.

Councilor Dave Barranco said while he was not pleased with the way that the process has played out, he did agree that the building should be removed.

The council voted 7-0 to approve the plan to demolish the building.