8th & Railroad owner planning new space for artists

By Jodi Schwan

The owner of 8th & Railroad Center has a plan for a nearby building on East Eighth Street.

Erika Billion purchased the former Queen City Wholesale building at 1001 E. 8th St. late last year and has a concept to turn it into an office for arts organizations.

“We’re at the beginning stages,” she said. “I envision it as an artist studio space. I’d love to see (offices for) SculptureWalk, Sioux Falls Arts Council, and a gallery owner with installations.”

The two-story building includes basement space that could hold a small stage.

“We’re thinking gallery space on the main floor, a recording studio on the lower level and we currently have someone interested in office space on the second floor,” Billion said.

She also envisions adding a sculpture garden and patio space.

The building will need some renovation, but the plan is to move people in as soon as possible, she added

“It was a bomb shelter just like 8th & Railroad Center, so it is structurally sound,” Billion said. “Aesthetically the bones are all concrete and brick exterior, so I think I’ll add a modern element to it.”

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8th & Railroad owner planning new space for artists

The owner of 8th & Railroad Center has a plan for a nearby building on East Eighth Street.

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