Former Sioux Falls mayor Knobe: Smithfield’s relocation could create a beautiful space for all of us

Here is my 23 cents worth on what should happen with the soon-to-be-vacant Smithfield property in central Sioux Falls.

When done right this area will become extremely livable, popular and a national attraction showing how to do urban development right. Everything built there should be built with sustainability standards. Passive solar. Rooftop solar panels. Maybe a turbine or two if feasible.

I would like a mixture of housing. Market and subsidized apartments in the same buildings, like they do in Germany. Market and affordable houses of various styles and sizes. I don’t want tract anything. Maybe an enclave of tiny homes?

A mix of retail and office space. No skyscrapers but a few six- to eight-story buildings would be OK. Streets should be designed for bicycles and pedestrians first, cars, pickups, motorcycles second. A few parking ramps near the edges, solar panels on the top. 

Some rights of way with NO motorized vehicles.

Lots of green space. Trees, plants, flowers, gazebos and benches. Community gardens. Murals and sculptures. Recreation fields for fun soccer, softball, etc. Neighborhood-oriented.

Maybe a hotel, a few restaurants and bars along the west side adjacent to the Big Sioux River? Along the north side by the river, a wide green space the entire length.

The possibilities are endless. I hope our leaders start public conversations soon. 

This will be great fun for all of us.

The independent Rick Knobe is a former Sioux Falls mayor and a regular contributor to The South Dakota Standard.

Photo: public domain, wikimedia commons

The South Dakota Standard is offered freely and is supported by our readers. We have no political or commercial sponsorship. If you'd like to help us continue our mission to advance independent political and social commentary, you can do so by clicking on the "Donate" button that's on the sidebar to your right.

Follow us and comment on X and Bluesky