How a hotel will set the stage for future development in Harrisburg

Megan Raposa -

This is a paid piece from the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance.

Simplified: Harrisburg's first-ever hotel is in the works, and it's likely going to be the start of much more development in the fast-growing city. Here's what you need to know.

Why it matters

  • A study commissioned by the Harrisburg Economic Development Corporation last spring found that Harrisburg's growing population is ready and able to support the addition of a hotel in the community.
  • The plan is to build a four-story boutique hotel at the corner of Minnesota Avenue and Willow Avenue with a rooftop lounge overlooking the apple orchard, said Aundrea Albertsen, vice president of development with Northern Plains Management and Design.
  • In the future, the plan is to build out a "bespoke village-type atmosphere" to fill out the land adjacent to the hotel Albertsen added. That could include shared green spaces, courtyards, as well as space for both businesses and recreation.
"Leaders in Harrisburg have known for years we've needed a hotel," said Marcus Mahlen, chair of the Harrisburg Economic Development Corporation. "That's the next stage of growth in being able to attract families and keep them in town."

Tell me more about the hotel

The first floor will include a restaurant and lounge.

  • The hotel is expected to have 70 suites spread between the top three floors, as well as a rooftop lounge," Albertsen said.

Developers are still working through what the second phase of development – i.e. the "bespoke village" – will look like.

Tell me more about the need for a hotel

Mahlen shared the example of a baseball tournament in Harrisburg – a fairly regular occurrence this time of year.

"Every weekend, all these families drive to like 69th and Louise, and they all stay there," Mahlen said.

By having a hotel, those families can instead stay – and spend money – in Harrisburg.

Harriburg also has lots of young families, and the hotel will provide another option for parents and grandparents to stay when they come to visit.

What happens next?

The plan is to break ground on the project this year.