Where is this new district located?
The epicenter for the Riverline District is the current Nelson Park/Drake Springs area in downtown Sioux Falls.

What sort of amenities and businesses will be located in the Riverline District?
Those questions will be answered over the next year as we gather ideas and input from the community on what this exciting addition to our downtown could be. Family-friendly opportunities along with economic development and neighborhood revitalization will all be important elements to whatever plan is ultimately developed for the Riverline District. This could include year-round recreation access, housing, business developments, and professional/amateur sports opportunities.

Who will pay for this new development?
It’s too early in the process to determine who will pay for the projects that may become part of the district as the vision and corresponding costs have yet to be determined. However, we would envision some sort of public private partnership will be important in maximizing the vision for the Riverline District

Initial funding to support the project study, consultants, and earnest money on land options is being provided by the Sioux Falls Development Foundation and Southeastern Council of Governments – reinforcing the community collaboration and support for this next chapter of our downtown. 

Who is leading the Riverline District effort?
There is a broad cross section of community, business, government, and non-profit leaders that are united behind this effort.

What is being done to address the homelessness challenges in this area?
Currently, the Sioux Falls City Council is implementing a variety of task force recommendations to continue to help our homeless community. That work, along with the potential plans for the Riverline District and existing plans by the social service partners in this neighborhood, will all be considered in what the future of the district could entail. 

Is there an opportunity to rebuild the viaduct bridges that pass over the railroad tracks?
The rebuilding of the 10th/11th street viaduct is going to be an important part of this project to ensure traffic calming and walkability are integrated into the development. Discussions are underway regarding how re-imagining the viaduct can assist in the success of the Riverline District.  

When will the rest of the railroad tracks in that area be removed?
The current railroad tracks that pass alongside the district and through the 8th and Railroad corridor of downtown are not scheduled to be relocated.

How can the public be involved in the future vision of the Riverline District?
The Riverline District committee will be providing numerous opportunities for resident input in the year ahead. The future success of the district will rely on creating a vision, programming, and opportunities that all of our residents can be excited about.

How will this benefit the Whittier neighborhood?
At the heart of the Riverline District is neighborhood revitalization. That will include making Whittier Neighborhood safer, more walkable, amenity rich and more inviting overall for those that currently call this neighborhood home. 

Will Drake Springs Pool and the new Sioux Falls Skatepark be impacted by Riverline District plans?
These existing projects will only be enhanced through increased accessibility and use via future investments in the Riverline District. It would make sense that future plans for the district seek to incorporate the “kids and families” momentum that Drake Springs and the Sioux Falls Skatepark have already created.