The Pierre City Commission is taking a new approach to determine the fate of the downtown lot that houses the former City Hall building.
Mayor Steve Harding says a Request for Qualified Developers is an ask for interested developers, contractors or investment groups to come forward with a plan to redevelop the site into sales-tax generating space.
Development consultant Toby Morris told the commission that the RFQD has been used successfully in a number of South Dakota communities to diversify local retail options
Morris says the RFQD process typically takes several months to years.
Developers have until May 17 to submit a proposal to the City. The City will then review the proposals and select the developer that is best qualified to do the job and that has a plan that most benefits the community.
The RFQD outlines the City lot located at 222 East Dakota Ave., as well as potential to include redevelopment of Hughes County property located at 302 East Dakota Ave. However, the document does not dictate development type. The former City Hall building is included on the development site, though City leaders say that they anticipate it will be demolished as part of the development process.
