It isn’t an exaggeration to describe 2021 as a record-breaking year for Spearfish in terms of total building project valuation, which came in over $98 million.

“This is the highest valuation total in Building Services history,” Tom Paisley, Spearfish building official, said, describing the previous record, set in 2020, was $54,968,747. “This is almost double the 2020 tally of 109 new residential units,” Building Official Paisley said.

Several new commercial building permits were issued in 2021, included the new Cobblestone building on Main Street, commercial storage units on Colorado Boulevard and Highway 85, the new Carquest Building on Main Street, a new asphalt plant on 1st Avenue, and the Pioneer Bank and Trust building on Jackson Boulevard. New commercial units in existing buildings included Cowgirl Pizza, an indoor climate-controlled storage building on 12th Street and Industrial Drive, Ruby’s Roost Bakery, Ink Imprints, Black Hills Blade and Axe, Black Hills Moto, Millennia Motors, Work Rigs Unlimited, and Eye Love Spearfish. Commercial alterations were also a large part of the permits this year, with 48 commercial alteration permits issued.

Building Official Paisley said 2022 is already looking to be another busy year for the Building Services department, with several new developments underway with more buildable lots, specifically the extended development for the Countryside Subdivision, the Reserve on Higgins Creek, Elkhorn Ridge Golf Estates, Miller Ranch, and Sky Ridge subdivision. In 2021, 650 contractor licenses were issued.

Construction for the first home at Sky Ridge, a workforce housing development and adjacent sports complex near Exit 17, began during a groundbreaking ceremony celebrating this milestone to create affordable housing for Spearfish.

“The need for more affordable housing has long been a topic of concern for communities across the nation, and I am proud that Spearfish has worked to make this priority a reality,” Mayor Dana Boke said. “To see construction begin on what will become a home for a local family is exciting, and I am thankful to everyone who has worked hard to bring this project to fruition.”

Sky Ridge, located south of Colorado Boulevard and west of U.S. Highway 85 in the Exit 17 area, includes 150 lots for workforce housing, developed in phases over five years. The current contract requires 40 percent, or 60 homes, to be sold at or below $197,000; 40 percent to be sold at or below $247,000; and the remaining 20 percent (30 homes) sold up to the maximum price point established the South Dakota Housing Development Authority’s First-Time Homebuyer Program, which is currently $300,000. The square-footage of the home designs varies from 800-1,700 square feet, and Dream Design International, Inc., is responsible for constructing the homes. 

Alex Portal | Black Hills Pioneer | October 9, 2021

In an effort to bolster the local workforce and keep students graduating from Black Hills State University in the area, the Spearfish Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) has partnered with the university to create the new Workforce Development Internship Program.

“SEDC’s primary role will be to identify Spearfish businesses that could benefit from this new partnership and to serve as a conduit to BHSU,” explained SEDC Executive Director Kory Menken.

“In standing up a Career Center, we plan to work much closer with area businesses to develop internship programs, career fairs and job placements. Starting with SEDC on this exciting partnership was a perfect way to launch this new initiative,” added BHSU President Dr. Laurie S. Nichols.

As BHSU brings the students to the table, SEDC will supply the business opportunities. The program will provide part-time, paid work experience to BHSU students in positions related to their course of study as well as provide local businesses with affordable help and a potential funnel of future employees.