An economic development project in a historic area on property on the historic register has been blocked a second time by the City Board of Historic Preservation.

The project is the former All-Saints School property along 18th Street, between Phillips Avenue and Dakota Avenue. When the All-Saints School closed many years ago, it sat vacant. Hopes for a re-use were high, but finding a viable use for very old buildings in the center of a neighborhood was not easy.

Finally a company came forward with the idea of building units for older residents, using the school buildings as the base of the project. It has worked. The historic buildings have been saved. The new buildings fit into the look and feel of the property. From an outsider's perspective, the concept and reality are working.

The owners of the development have asked for permission to add more units to the property. Most of building would take place along the 18th Street corridor. The northern and eastern sides of the land would remain undeveloped.

Enter a City Board.

The Board of Historic Preservation promotes the use and conservation of historic properties for the education, inspiration, pleasure, and enrichment of the citizens of Sioux Falls.

The Board serves in an advisory capacity, providing guidance and recommendations to the Mayor and City Council on matters related to historic preservation and the city’s seven historical districts.

At the March 11, 2015 meeting the Board again said no to the proposal. The minutes of that meeting are not yet available.

I have looked at the drawings submitted by the property owners. Some old trees along 18th Street will disappear. In their place will be a structure, designed to look like the rest of the buildings on the site. New trees will be planted and some landscaping changes are proposed along the Phillips Avenue Side.

Unless I am missing some drawings showing lots of chrome, concrete, plastic, or corrugated tin, I don't see anything wrong with the proposal. Some green space will be gone, but there will still be plenty on the property.

Housing for the elderly, no matter their income, is important. Putting land in the core area of our city to its highest and best use is a good idea.

City Hall and  the Board of Historic Preservation should find a way to make this project happen. It fits with our goals and aspirations.

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