June 3, 2019

Sioux Falls building activity is slightly behind last year’s record pace through May but ahead of two years ago.

Permits totaled $274.6 million in value through the first five months of the year, compared with $306 million in 2018 and $267.4 million in 2017.

The largest decline is in new commercial construction, which totaled $101.2 million, about $45 million behind last year.

Commercial addition and remodeling projects are ahead of last year at $71.1 million, compared with $56.6 million.

Large projects permitted in May include a data center addition for Midco at 3507 S. Duluth Ave. valued at $4.5 million and a conveyor addition at Hi Roller, 4511 N. Northview Ave., valued at $4.2 million. All American Gymnastics received the permit for its new building at 7321 S. Grasslands Place as well. That’s valued at $2.2 million.

New residential construction is lagging behind last year, potentially because of the record wet spring. Permits were issued for 247 single-family houses through May, which is 57 fewer than the same time last year, and 295 multifamily units, which is 105 fewer year-over-year.

Residential additions and remodeling projects are ahead of 2018, totaling $24 million compared with $16.7 million.