One Sioux Falls company is taking positive signs of economic growth as a cue to expand.  Lewis Drug broke ground this morning on a new store in the southwest part of Sioux Falls.  Economic development leaders say they hope this is just the start of good news to come.

For nearly eight years, the land at the corner of 69th Street and Louise Avenue has sat empty, with the promise of a new Lewis Drugstore "coming soon".  "Soon" is now a matter of months as ground has been broken for the building, which will be about the same size as the Lewis at 41st Street and Marion Road.

"As you know, we've had a sign on the corner for quite some time, and we were just waiting for the right opportunity." said Mark Griffin, president and CEO of Lewis Drugs, Inc.

Griffin says the right time is now, as the economy starts to show signs of recovery.

"We're starting to see that over the last few months in our existing stores, and we thought the time was right." said Griffin.
   
This will be Lewis Drug's sixth store in Sioux Falls, featuring a year-round garden center and a cosmetics boutique.  With it comes 50 new jobs--a sign that economic recovery might not be too far off for the city.

"We've felt the impact like every community has, but this is just another example of why Sioux Falls is a pretty special place." said Dave Rozenboom, chair of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

"Certainly it demonstrates a vote of confidence in our community.  We haven't experienced the highs and lows you've seen across the country, but we've had some challenges, too." said Cathy Clark, chair of the Sioux Falls Development Foundation Board of Directors.

The new Lewis store will be the first of its kind in the southwest part of Sioux Falls, and economic developers say once it's built, others are sure to follow.

"I think when you look at the area, it's a prime real estate area, and great opportunities to come." said Clark.

"Now that we've seen this one, I think you'll see plenty others follow in the next few years." said Rozenboom. 
    
Taking the first steps towards moving a community forward from tough times in the past.              

The new store is expected to open at the beginning of November, although Griffin says it could take longer than scheduled.