A proposal to create over $30 million in economic development in Downtown Sioux Falls is not making much progress with the bureaucracy.

While there is growing interest by developers and people with money to invest in Downtown Sioux Falls, Washington Square, a $30 million project across from the Pavilion, is getting rave reviews from the public, for its creativity, style, and appearance, but the city doesn't seem interested.

Also getting rave reviews from the city - since they asked for a proposal - is the recently revealed development of the block in downtown which currently has as it's only building Wells Fargo. The rest of the block is a two story ramp, and some surface parking. It is an exciting proposal and if completed with make a huge difference in the look and feel of the core of our city.

It is pretty much a slam dunk that it will move forward, since the city administration asked for it.

Also in the works is a project on east side of Phillips Avenue bounded by 9th and 10th and Phillips and First Avenue. Expect some announcement on that idea to come soon. Again the city asked for ideas.

Meanwhile, the Washington Square proposal to create public parking, some housing, office, and retail across from the Washington Pavilion does not seem to be a favorite idea of city staff.

A local family has put the various parcels together over the years on their own, without help from the city. This same family is responsible for the saving of the old Chevy building at 11th and Main and a former retail store to the south of it. Both projects were well done and are assets to our community.

Those of us who have toiled in the downtown redevelopment field know that putting a good project together takes much work and money.

It is interesting to note that all planning goals for downtown promote mixed uses in new structures. Washington Square meets that goal. Parking within the building will be an asset. No obvious ramp and the parking will be available to the public for events at the Pavilion in the evening. Another bonus.

Finally, the creation of more parking at the Pavilion will make it easier for the city to redevelop the small ramp and surface lot to the south. A win for everybody.

This project, which meets the city's stated goals, is the brainchild of private citizens and not city staff. This project will not require unique deals with land to make it happen. All of the property is owned by the developer. All this project needs to happen is a Tax Increment Finance District, commonly called a T.I.F.

T.I.F.s have been used many times over the years to assist the redevelopment of blighted, economically challenged, and under used areas. Expensive infrastructure needs have also been used as reasons to use Tax Increment Financing. The fact the developer will create nearly 200 pubic parking spaces inside the structure, makes this a very attractive proposal.

Washington Square will be discussed at the City Planning Commission Meeting in July.

Those of us who follow progress downtown will be watching to see if this private development proposal will receive the same enthusiasm as the proposals sought by the city.

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