RAPID CITY, S.D. — Recently, Scott Engmann, Executive Director of Black Hills Habitat for Humanity, sat down with Amy Rose of Homeslice Media and The Rapid City Post to share some exciting news that is set to make a significant impact on the community. After years of planning and overcoming obstacles, Habitat for Humanity is moving forward with a major new development aimed at addressing the growing need for affordable housing in Rapid City.
Engmann, who has spent 20 years with Habitat for Humanity, explained that the organization’s mission is to build simple, decent, and affordable homes for families in need. In addition to their home-building efforts, Habitat for Humanity also offers home renovations and recently launched the Habitat Handyman program, which assists homeowners with smaller projects like hanging flat-screen TVs or fixing faucets.
But the real news came when Engmann announced the East Creek Village project, a new development in Central Rapid City. The project received approval from the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission for rezoning a piece of land located at East St. Charles and Creek Drive. This approval marks a major milestone for Habitat for Humanity, which has been working on the project for nearly four years.
“It’s been quite a journey to get here,” Engmann said. “This approval means so much to us. We believe this area is perfect for new townhomes that will provide ownership opportunities for families in our community.”
The need for affordable housing in Rapid City is urgent. According to a recent housing report from Elevate Rapid City, there is a shortage of around 3,000 affordable homes for working families. With the average home price in the city at $450,000, many working families are priced out of the market, especially with the median household income sitting at $60,000. The East Creek Village project aims to address this gap by offering affordable homes in the mid-$200,000 range.
Thanks to generous community support and a $3 million grant from Senator Mike Rounds’ office, the project will move forward with the construction of 42 townhomes, each featuring a garage. The development will be built in two phases, with the first phase expected to begin in spring 2026. These homes will be available exclusively for primary residence, focused on local working families who are eager to plant roots in the community.
“This project is really about building generational wealth for families who want to raise their children here, create a home, and contribute to the community,” Engmann explained.
The development will also include a homeowners association, which will help maintain the property and ensure its aesthetic appeal. Engmann believes that this added layer of responsibility will help keep the community looking beautiful for years to come.
Engmann also emphasized the importance of continued community involvement. Habitat for Humanity will rely on volunteers and donations to keep the project moving forward. He encouraged listeners to join the Builder’s Club, a program that allows community members to contribute to the project with as little as $5 a month. The goal is to expand the Builder’s Club to 300 members, and each contribution will help turn this dream into reality.
For those who want to learn more about the East Creek Village project or get involved, they can visit Black Hills Habitat for Humanity’s website at blackhillshabitat.org.
As the conversation wrapped up, Engmann expressed his gratitude for the community’s support. “We’re so thankful for the support of this incredible community,” he said. “We’re excited to bring hope to people who need it most, and we’re thrilled to see these families step into their own homes.”
The East Creek Village project is more than just a housing development—it represents the power of community collaboration to meet a critical need. Habitat for Humanity continues to prove that with determination and teamwork, they can bring new hope to families in Rapid City, one home at a time.
