Spearfish projects 400 new apartments in next 12 months
City leaders cite construction costs and a record 3,500-student enrollment at Black Hills State University as factors in local housing plans.
By Nadia Rahman ·
Spearfish, South Dakota, anticipates roughly 400 new apartment units will become available within the next year.
Mayor John Senden outlined this housing expansion during the annual State of the Community luncheon on Thursday. He stated that these new units will complement the planned Sky Ridge workforce housing development. That separate project is scheduled for completion in 2027.
Senden linked the increased housing supply to local labor retention, specifically for graduates of Black Hills State University. He said the city aims to help students build careers in the community after earning their degrees.
The city faces financial hurdles in executing these plans. Senden identified rising construction costs as a major obstacle to keeping pace with population growth. The municipal government continues to plan infrastructure improvements over the coming years to support this expansion.
Enrollment at Black Hills State University reached a five-year high this fall, surpassing 3,500 students. University President Steve Elliott reported that the school is coordinating with local employers to train students for positions in finance, agribusiness, criminal justice, education, and health care.
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