City Officials Confirm Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Panda Express, Les Schwab Tire Center Planned as Part of TIFD Package along with New RC Police Precinct
RAPID CITY, SD—Thursday’s Planning Commission agenda includes consideration of creation of the Marshall Heights Tax Increment Financing District (TIFD) which city officials indicate will have considerable positive economic impacts on Rapid City.
If approved by the Planning Commission and ultimately the Rapid City Common Council, the Marshall Heights TIFD will provide funds for the purchase of the property at 120 Knollwood Drive for the northside Rapid City police precinct, the removal of all structures at 1902 North Lacrosse Street and expanded economic opportunities with at least four new major chain businesses at that location.
City officials confirmed Wednesday the proposed lineup of new businesses to be located at the North Lacrosse Street location would include three much-anticipated restaurant chains Chick Fil A, Chipotle, and Panda Express; a Les Schwab Tire Center, and more.
AAM Rapid City, LLC and the City of Rapid City are jointly petitioning the Planning Commission to consider and approve the TIFD requests, which total more than $8.7 million. According to Mayor Jason Salamun, “We’re thrilled to announce a proposed development that is slated to bring Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Panda Express, and Les Schwab Tire Center to Rapid City. Besides the clear economic benefits, this will bring much needed redevelopment to a prime location off the interstate as well as funding for other public improvements. This is a big win for Rapid City.”
Mike Dugan, Rapid City’s Tax Increment Finance Planner, said Thursday’s Commission agenda includes two items that would create the Marshall Heights Tract TIFD and approve the project plan, which includes removal of the current hotel and restaurant currently located at 1902 North Lacrosse Street, provide funds for public improvements including a right turn lane in the affected area and $1.8 million for the purchase of the property at 120 Knollwood Drive which will be the location of the recently approved northside Rapid City police precinct. The TIFD would support expanded economic opportunities through increased tax revenues with the proposed new development.
Mayor Salamun says the proposed new development includes major chain restaurants and businesses that have been much anticipated and requested by citizens for several years. “From letter-writing campaigns from students to meet-and-greets with military members, rarely a day goes by when I don’t hear from locals requesting one of these popular businesses. In fact, I’ve been outspoken in sharing my desire to see Chick-fil-A come to Rapid City. It is by far the top request I receive from citizens. It is our pleasure to bring this opportunity forward for consideration. This project is good for Rapid City and has my full support.”
If the Planning Commission approves the creation of the Marshall Heights TIFD and the project plan, the items move forward to the Legal and Finance Committee on July 30 and the City Council on August 4. If approved, the new businesses could be in operation as early as late 2026 and the City’s new northside police station could be ready for operation as early as the first quarter of 2026.
Mayor Salamun will be available for media questions at 1:15 pm today in the Mayor’s Office.
