“This will have a big impact on Mitchell’s housing, and we are excited to hit the ground running and address the lack of affordable homes in Mitchell,” said Geri Beck, CEO of Mitchell Area Development Corporation.
Although the project that sought to bring around 90 homes across the street of Avera Queen of Peace hospital has been sidelined since April 2020, Geri Beck, CEO of the Mitchell Area Development Corporation (MADC) and Chamber of Commerce, says the housing development is still on the table.
According to the newly released 2020 U.S. census report, Mitchell’s population — which is the sixth largest city in the state — increased by just 3% since 2010, while similar-sized cities such as Yankton and Pierre saw a 7% growth in population, bringing the two municipalities closer to Mitchell’s 15,660 population.
When the remodeling of the downtown building is complete and the neighboring lot across the street is fully developed into parking garages with a commercial building, project leaders say the improvements are estimated to boost the assessed tax valuation of the area in the TIF boundary to roughly $3.5 million, which currently has a tax base value of $45,070.
Planning Commission’s unanimous approval clears the way for California developer, John Adamo, to begin remodeling the former Crafty Fox building into a mixture of 28 loft apartments and a restaurant on the main floor.
“Their plan is to put a building here that kind of angles with a second floor deck area with seating on the south side to look over the area with a view of the Corn Palace and maybe get a malt beverage license,” said City Planner Mark Jenniges during Monday's Planning and Zoning Commission meeting.
Although the Planning Commission has yet to get enough members present to vote on the plan for the downtown building that city officials are eager to move forward with, Geri Beck, CEO of the MADC and Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce, said she’s confident that the delay on Monday won’t hamper Adamo’s plans to remodel the building.
