Debate Over $22 Million Administration Building Continues within Sioux Falls City Council

At Tuesday's (July 12) informational meeting, Sioux Falls City council members went over the details of a comparison between building a new city administration building verses buying the existing 300 building and renovating the structure.

According to the Associated Press:

The council in April approved the 79,000-square-foot, three-story government office building in a decision in which Mayor Mike Huether cast a tie-breaking vote. His administration maintains that the building would be more economical than renovating an existing building.

Design firms for new construction were also asked to review the 300 building and reported that renovating the existing building would not be ideal because of multiple floors, older stairways, and a lower ceiling height.

Sue Quanbeck Etten from the city says work efficiency could be undermined with the 300 building.

Councillor Christine Erickson questioned how the final price comparison between renovating verses a new build also includes adjacent city park improvements.

The price tag either way is just under $22 million.

The current owner of the 300 building, Danielle Merrow documented ceiling height, stairway measurements and other concerns saying that the design firms did not provide accurate measurements and is a conflict of interest as the firms would benefit financially if the city chooses new construction.

Some council members remain skeptical of the need for a new building. The council on Tuesday voted 5-3 to give initial approval to repealing the $25 million bond ordinance approved in April. A final project rejection could come at the group's July 19 meeting.

The City Council continues to review the information.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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