Fort Pierre plans for Riverwalk Landing

By David Montgomery
Capital Journal staff
Published/Last Modified on Friday, Jan 29, 2010 - 01:06:23 am CST

A new multi-million dollar riverfront development planned for Fort Pierre would bring a marina, a restaurant and retail shops to the city by 2012.

Riverwalk Landing, being built by Midwest Construction and Development, is to include 108 boat slips and a 5,000-square-foot restaurant near the AmericInn in Fort Pierre’s Teton Island Development.

“I was born and raised in this area,” said Mark Zarecky, co-owner of Midwest Construction and Development. “I have always felt this area needed riverfront development.”

David Montgomery | Capital Journal
Mark Zarecky explains plans for a riverfront development in Fort Pierre containing a marina, restaurant and shopping at Thursday’s meeting of the Fort Pierre Development Corp.
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Zarecky said the six-acre project will be designed to be accessible for foot and bike traffic with open-air plazas and ramps leading down to the riverfront bike path.

“We want the feel of a walking mall atmosphere,” Zarecky said.

Zarecky unveiled the project at the annual meeting of the Fort Pierre Development Corp. Thursday evening at the AmericInn.

The first phase of the project will include the marina and the restaurant. The second floor of the restaurant building will overlook the Missouri River and be open for banquets and special events.

A second phase will include a 13,520-square-foot three-story building with shopping on the lower level, stores and office space on the second floor and extended-stay suites on the third floor.

Further phases of the project also are planned, but Zarecky said those are dependent on land owned by the Corps of Engineers and other entities.

The project will have 244 parking spaces. Zarecky said they plan to widen Island Drive to the property line to put in diagonal parking and will build a lot across the street.

“We’re adding a lot of green space,” he said. “We’re going to be putting in some pretty nice landscaping around this. We plan on doing some decorative concrete work.”

Zarecky said he hopes to break ground on the project this summer.

Members of the Fort Pierre community said they are excited about the project.

“Any time you can get a multimillion dollar development, I think it’s a positive for the city,” said Fort Pierre City Council member Carl Rathbun. “Most little towns of our size, 2,000 people, are going the other direction.”

Shane Clarambeau said he is looking forward to the marina’s completion both as a boater and as the owner of another business in Teton Island, Shane’s Pharmacy.

“I’m really excited about it,” he said. “I really like being on the river, and there’s no place in the middle of the river to get anything. And as a business owner in Teton Island, I’m excited about the extra traffic going through.”

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Comments

27 comment(s)

come-here wrote on Feb 11, 2010 9:50 PM:

" You go Ft Pierre! To the developers: I hope we get some quality (read not teen and cheap) places to shop and some quality (not fast food) places to eat-an old fashioned New York style deli and a quality ice cream parlor would be great- . I'm glad to see one of the twin cities has an Economic Development Group that knows the meaning of economic development. "

Marine wrote on Feb 5, 2010 1:13 PM:

" To Professor. Construction brings revenue and property taxes which the city lost when the Corps of Engineers bought up so much property. With the increased taxes comes the funds for fixing up streets and improving life in this town. I have lived in this town for over thirty five years and am proud of the direction that it is going. If you want to complain about cost of living or lack of city services then move to a big city and live there awhile. "

Keep it up wrote on Feb 4, 2010 6:22 PM:

" The Zareckys are incredible developers, with inspirational ideas for the community. The only things better than their ideas are their finished products. Their work is beautiful, and there is not a contractor that has more expertise with concrete work than Mark. I know that not only will the buildings be wonderful additions, but the landscaping work will be a marvel to look at. I cannot wait to see yet another success story for Midwest Construction. Good luck Mark and Glennis! "

Big Kahuna wrote on Feb 4, 2010 5:53 PM:

" Does it really matter is right on the mark. It does not matter what side of the creek the development takes place. It will enhance the entire area. Did people moan about which side of the creek the fishing pier was on? Stop being so dang petty. You 2%ers who love to bash everything need to cease. "

Does it really matter wrote on Feb 4, 2010 2:38 PM:

" Does it really matter what side of the river it is on? We all will benefit the enjoyment, even people from other communites. We all will spend our money there. "

agreement wrote on Feb 4, 2010 11:02 AM:

" I agree with "just a reminder", Pierre's growth cannot happen along the riverfront (unfortunately, without tearing down what is already there). I think it is great that the riverfront is being developed in Ft Pierre. That has been missing from Pierre/Ft Pierre area. I wish everyone could figure out that growth of either of these towns, is a positive for BOTH. Can't we all just get along.... "

to the professor wrote on Feb 4, 2010 10:57 AM:

" Mr Professer, why are you waiting with your hand out wanting someone to line your pocket. That is not really how it works. If you want to affect your pocket book, take some of the chances that the Zareckys have. From your message, I am pretty sure you wouldn't have the guts to put your own "assets" on the line. I applaud the Zareckys and all they have done to develop the Pierre and now Ft Pierre communities. Best of Luck to them on this most recent venture!!! "

Fort Pierre Voter wrote on Feb 2, 2010 7:29 PM:

" As a smaller, more efficient government body, the City of Fort Pierre can do many creative things on the economic development front. Small town have always played the "booster role" well.

I do worry, however, that this will require another TIF, which takes money out of the tax collection that would otherwise benefit citizens with roads, etc. If the developer can do it without taking tax dollars, I say go for it. "

the professor wrote on Feb 2, 2010 3:04 PM:

" Why do we need all this new development?
Have our cost-of-living expenses went down over the last 15 years with all the new development? Are our roads in any better condition? Do we pay less in utility costs? Do our community members make more wages? Do jobs get created that can support a family.

I don't think so.
This development is all being done by the wealthy to add to their bank accounts, not to increase ours!! "

Just a reminder wrote on Feb 2, 2010 2:24 PM:

" For the people who say "why doesn't Pierre do this" please remember... Developers do projects like this - not the city. And Fort Pierre has land available for this type of project. Pierre really doesn't unless you want to do something drastic like moving the Legion cabin. Unfortunately people didn't like that idea either. "

impressed wrote on Feb 2, 2010 12:38 PM:

" Mark, Glennis and Midwest Construction have done alot to help improve and build up the Pierre & Fort Pierre area. They do great work- the BEST OF LUCK to them on the RIverwalk Landing Project! "

to hmmmmm wrote on Feb 2, 2010 10:06 AM:

" what do you think? This is a private person/business/developer using their own money/loans/etc. Why would you think this is a taxpayer funded development? "

Yipee wrote on Feb 2, 2010 6:14 AM:

" This is an exciting thing happening to Ft. Pierre. When Pierre bowed out of the Hustain Site, things started happening. It goes to show that Pierre does NOT want the City to grow and expand. We have been looking at moving to Ft. Pierre because they are willing to venture out. I would much rather give my tax dollars to their side of the river. "

to Hmmmmmmmmm wrote on Feb 1, 2010 4:26 PM:

" I'm sure there will be TIF's involved. Call up Sam and ask him. "

Hhhmmmmm wrote on Feb 1, 2010 1:21 PM:

" Sounds great. Just one question. Is this being done with private money or Tax dollars? "

Pierre Resident wrote on Feb 1, 2010 9:21 AM:

" I am glad that Ft. Pierre is taking the initive to grow and develop. Way to go - wish Pierre would follow suit, but ... "

Oahe Downstream wrote on Feb 1, 2010 7:54 AM:

" What is all this Pierre vs Fort Pierre stuff? Once we let all that "us against them" mentality go life will get better.

I remember the Pierre residents being upset and blogging their discontent when Fort Pierre exercised their option to buy the old Hustan property.

If Fort Pierre had the silly disallusion that its us against them none of this would be happening and the Hustan property would still be undeveloped. "

Carrie wrote on Feb 1, 2010 7:10 AM:

" This development will be a great thing for this area. Ft. Pierre is really stepping things up!!! It's so exciting to see all the changes in the past few years. Great Work! "

mom wrote on Jan 31, 2010 11:02 AM:

" Another important factor is that there will be jobs created and something to enhance the Ft. Pierre area. "

Pierre wrote on Jan 30, 2010 6:55 PM:

" I think Mark has this golden touch, his 4Th St Project is just awesome, I believe this will enhance the Beauty of the river near the bridge. I know that Mike had a dream too for a Marina when he moved his business over to Ft Pierre, I am glad Mark is continuing that idea..Again can't wait to use that marina, no more messing with the problems getting out into the channel from Pierre and Farm Island.. "

Otto wrote on Jan 30, 2010 4:03 PM:

" Pierre is really behind the ball on this one. Good for Ft. Pierre. I have always thought that area down by the Legion is an untapped gold mine. Pierre should develop a boardwalk that stretches from the east side of the Legion all the way west to Steamboat park. Have a nice restaurant with outdoor seating, the Legion, coffee/sandwich shop, boutiques, ice cream/dessert stand, and whatever else. It would be a HUGE draw especially in the summer months! It would also be close enough to downtown to draw ppl for lunch and happy hour the rest of the year. "

USD Student wrote on Jan 30, 2010 11:33 AM:

" This sounds awesome! Anyone know where to find some conceptual drawings for this? I hope this project goes smoothly and quickly... "

Ranger wrote on Jan 29, 2010 8:03 PM:

" Great!! I have always said we lack river development in Pierre/Ft. Pierre. Glad to see Ft. Pierre so something about it. Too bad Pierre can't see the light as there is adequate space along the river to develop. "

Great pierre resident wrote on Jan 29, 2010 2:24 PM:

" This is great news... Glad to see someone finally taking some inititive to do a riverfront project... Even if its in Fort Pierre I am for it. It looks like it will be professionally done. I have always thought that would be the perfect place for a marina... Good Luck... you will have my business "

Good news wrote on Jan 29, 2010 12:32 PM:

" Congratulations to Midwest Construction for having the vision for this project. Good luck! I'm looking forward to this great new asset to our community, reguardless of which side of the river its on. "

about time wrote on Jan 29, 2010 10:50 AM:

" ever since developing started on the river way back when this is something that needed to be done. the city of pierre has a great area by the legion cabin to do the same thing, but bureacracy or ill thinking must have gotten in the way. WAY to go fort pierre! you guys are certainly showing the good ol boy network in pierre a few things when it comes to economic development! "

about time wrote on Jan 29, 2010 2:14 AM:

" this is exactly what ft.pierre needs..i am really excited about this and i think this speaks for many other pierre/ft.pierre outdoors folk as well..not only is it bringing much ease and and a bigger appearance to our town but its gonna bring some much needed revenue over on our side for once......its a great investment move for the owners and the town and i hope it becomes bigger and than expected! "

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