PROGRESS: Sioux City housing continues record-setting growth

Sioux City in 2017 again set a new high for housing construction as the city issued permits for 274 fresh housing units. 

That total is up from 241 new units in 2016, a number that broke the previous record of 205 set in 2015. 

City officials attribute the continued growth to partnerships with private developers and a renewed interest in filling in gaps within the city. The city has also seen an increased trend in construction of duplexes, townhouses and urban condo developments over the past few years.

Major projects last year included the redevelopment of the former Bekins building, the revitalization of former industrial buildings along Virginia Street by Ho-Chunk Inc. into mixed-use space known as Virginia Square, and re-use of former school buildings at Whittier Elementary and the Central High School annex.

Of the 274 permits, 182 were for multi-family units and 24 were for condos. The rest were for single-family homes. 

The Bekins Building is being renovated into 70 loft-style apartments by Sioux Falls-based Clint Stencil Construction Co. The project could conclude this spring and welcome its first renters. 

Ho-Chunk Inc., the economic development arm of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, is turning the site of four former industrial buildings on Virginia Street into mixed-use space that will include apartments, condos and office and retail space. One of the buildings may also become a five-story 90-room Hilton extended stay hotel. 

Old School Properties LLC, of Sioux City, is planning on renovating the 116-year-old former Whittier Elementary School building at 4820 Fourth Ave. into a 30-unit apartment complex.

Arch Icon Development is also working on turning the former Central High School annex at 1121 Jackson St. into 46 apartments ranging from one to four bedrooms.

City staff expect the trend to continue in future years with additional construction in the Whispering Creek and Eagle Ridge housing developments, as well as renovations of the former Everett School Building, Hatch Furniture Building, Commerce Building and former Methodist Hospital.