SIOUX FALLS, SD - A new kind of drug store will soon go up in Sioux Falls. And the construction could be a glimpse of what's to come in the southwest part of town.
Lewis Drug broke ground at 69th Street and Louise Avenue Monday. This plot of land will be home to a "concept" store that will feature easier access to its pharmacy, wider aisles and lower shelves. Lewis Drug President and-CEO is hoping its presence will be a positive addition to the area.
"The demographics are wonderful. A lot of young families and a shortage of services here, so we're trying to provide full service in every area," Lewis Drug CEO Mark Griffin said.
The doors are expected to open in November. Lewis owns and operates 32 stores throughout South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota.
The addition of Lewis Drug is expected to add about 50 jobs to the southwest side of Sioux Falls. And business leaders say that kind of growth could spur more growth in the future. And more business in the area could have a positive impact for local neighborhoods.
It started with a few extra roads and some new neighborhoods. But lately, city planners have noticed a lot of change in the southwest part of Sioux Falls in a short amount of time.
"What people are seeing in 2009-2010 is the retail development taking place. We're seeing Lewis Drug starting to come in. You're seeing all these commercial stores, those developments," Schmitt said.
Jeff Schmitt with Sioux Falls Planning says it's happening as the stock market stabilizes and businesses are feeling better about opening their pocketbooks.
"You're seeing a lot of existing buildings that were built maybe two or three years ago and they are finishing them out," Schmitt said.
And Schmitt says as housing develops, so has the opportunity for businesses to grow.
"I think it's good for the city because it helps those neighborhoods develop. Having people have the goods and services that they want and need in their part of the community really helps the city of Sioux Falls," Schmitt said.
And many are hope the trend continues.
Schmitt says the northwest side of the city will likely be the next area that you'll see more retail shops setting up.
Lewis Drug broke ground at 69th Street and Louise Avenue Monday. This plot of land will be home to a "concept" store that will feature easier access to its pharmacy, wider aisles and lower shelves. Lewis Drug President and-CEO is hoping its presence will be a positive addition to the area.
"The demographics are wonderful. A lot of young families and a shortage of services here, so we're trying to provide full service in every area," Lewis Drug CEO Mark Griffin said.
The doors are expected to open in November. Lewis owns and operates 32 stores throughout South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota.
The addition of Lewis Drug is expected to add about 50 jobs to the southwest side of Sioux Falls. And business leaders say that kind of growth could spur more growth in the future. And more business in the area could have a positive impact for local neighborhoods.
It started with a few extra roads and some new neighborhoods. But lately, city planners have noticed a lot of change in the southwest part of Sioux Falls in a short amount of time.
"What people are seeing in 2009-2010 is the retail development taking place. We're seeing Lewis Drug starting to come in. You're seeing all these commercial stores, those developments," Schmitt said.
Jeff Schmitt with Sioux Falls Planning says it's happening as the stock market stabilizes and businesses are feeling better about opening their pocketbooks.
"You're seeing a lot of existing buildings that were built maybe two or three years ago and they are finishing them out," Schmitt said.
And Schmitt says as housing develops, so has the opportunity for businesses to grow.
"I think it's good for the city because it helps those neighborhoods develop. Having people have the goods and services that they want and need in their part of the community really helps the city of Sioux Falls," Schmitt said.
And many are hope the trend continues.
Schmitt says the northwest side of the city will likely be the next area that you'll see more retail shops setting up.
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