Grand Forks Leaders Toured Sioux Falls Riverfront Sites

A delegation of 31 representatives visited South Dakota to gain inspiration for future city redevelopment.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Commercial

Grand Forks Leaders Toured Sioux Falls Riverfront Sites

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Thirty-one Grand Forks representatives traveled to Sioux Falls to examine multipurpose riverfront developments along the Big Sioux River. The group aims to use insights from the trip to inform planning for the former Grand Forks water treatment plant site.

Why it matters

The visit seeks to provide a vision for local municipal redevelopment by observing large-scale projects in a neighboring state. Officials are evaluating how similar investments could revitalize city-owned property back in Grand Forks.

The delegation observed The Steel District, which cost $220 million, and the $225 million Cherapa Place development. These projects serve as physical benchmarks for future urban design considerations.

The players

Grand Forks City Council

The local governing body in North Dakota is responsible for evaluating redevelopment proposals for city property.

Development Strategies

This firm provides urban planning and economic consulting services to municipal governments.

The details

The group, which included 12 city elected officials and staff members, spent $3,500 on travel, lodging, meals, and host gifts. This excursion follows presentations made to the Grand Forks City Council in May 2025 regarding potential development strategies.

May 2025: Development Strategies presented proposals to the City Council.
September 2026: Grand Forks representatives traveled to Sioux Falls.

Culture Shift

Grand Forks is following the trend of riverfront revitalization projects as tracked by the American Planning Association by touring successful existing developments. This approach reflects a broader societal shift toward converting underutilized industrial waterfronts into mixed-use community spaces.

Residents may see long-term changes to the downtown area as the city evaluates new plans for the former water treatment plant site. This visit marks a preliminary step in a multi-year process that will eventually influence local zoning and infrastructure priorities.

The takeaway

Large-scale redevelopment efforts often begin with studying the success of comparable projects in other regions. Local officials are prioritizing thorough vetting of these models before committing to a specific path for the vacant treatment facility.