USD Discovery District infrastructure out for bid

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The USD Discovery District, an 80-acre contemporary corporate and academic research park under development in Sioux Falls, today announced it has requested bids for its initial infrastructure to be built. This infrastructure for this innovation community includes 2,800 feet, of the anticipated 11,000 feet of roads and public utilities (water and sewer) that will allow for the first new buildings to be constructed at the site. The development is located adjacent to the University Center in northwest Sioux Falls.

“This is an exciting initial milestone for the USD Discovery District,” said Rich Naser, Jr., President of the USD Discovery District. “It marks the start of physical construction–the result of years of planning–and the first step in creating an open and urban innovation environment in which to live, work and play.”

The District will provide access to research facilities and infrastructure for research business development, which will create new jobs, and foster collaboration for the commercialization of new technologies. At full build out, the direct economic impact is projected to include 26 privately developed buildings with facility construction value exceeding $314M and nearly 2,800 people employed by companies located in the District.

The request for bids was advertised regionally beginning January 6, 2017 and will close at 2:00 pm on February 3, 2017.

Roads outlined in the bid request, West Nobel Street and North Frances Avenue, will provide the foundation of the urban landscape creating the “main” street and intersection for the entrance for the District. In addition, these streets open access to eight building sites in the 80-acre community.

The infrastructure development is being funded by a $755,000 grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded late last year. The City of Sioux Falls was a co-applicant on the grant, as the streets will be dedicated upon their completion, the City will assume ownership and maintenance.

“The city has been a great partner on this project,” added Naser. “They have been played a vital role in applying for the grant, as well as meeting its requirements, which has made for a great working relationship as we build this important initial infrastructure.”

The USD Discovery District is a public-private partnership effort between the University of South Dakota, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, the City of Sioux Falls, the Board of Regents and the business community through Forward Sioux Falls. Matching funds totaling $895,000 from the State of South Dakota and Forward Sioux Falls have already been secured to fund the initial development phase estimated at $1.65M.

“This infrastructure investment is the next step in Sioux Falls attaining prominence in the biotech industry,” said Daren Ketcham, Director of Community Development for the City of Sioux Falls. “Sioux Falls and the USD Discovery District continue to cultivate an atmosphere of entrepreneurial spirit and innovation to develop, retain, and attract the best businesses and talent for a growing community,” he added.

The project is expected to commence in April, with an official groundbreaking ceremony planned for May.

“In addition to awarding the project and planning the groundbreaking, we are actively in discussions with developers and potential tenants for the first building,” added Naser.

Bids will be accepted until 2:00 pm and be opened for evaluation on February 3, 2017, with the contract awarded in the following weeks. The USD Discovery District and its civil engineer will evaluate the bids received on cost and other criteria. Construction bid documents are available at the USD Discovery District located at 4800 North Career Avenue, Suite 100, Sioux Falls, SD 57107 and Sayre and Associates at 216 South Duluth Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104.

– ### –

About the Discovery District
The USD Discovery District is an 80-acre contemporary corporate and academic research park under development in northwest Sioux Falls. The goal of this urban innovation community is to provide access to research facilities and infrastructure for research business development and spur innovation-driven businesses in an environment for students, researchers, and entrepreneurs. When fully developed, it will include an estimated 26 privately-developed buildings and nearly 2,800 people will work for companies in the District.

Anchors for the park include the Graduate Education and Applied Research (GEAR) Center including its pilot-scale cGMP facility, and USD’s Biomedical Engineering Program (BME). The District development is private-public partnership between the University of South Dakota, the Board of Regents, Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Forward Sioux Falls and the City of Sioux Falls. With infrastructure planned to begin in Fall of 2016.

Photo cutline: Rendering of the USD Discovery District–West Nobel Street View, USD Discovery District bird’s-eye view at full build with initial infrastructure and existing buildings noted.

Source: USD Discovery District Master Plan.