Elevate Rapid City helped facilitate five ribbon cutting ceremonies for Rapid City area businesses in the month of September. Celebrations ranged from grand openings to expansions in the market. Ribbon cutting celebrations are part of Elevate’s ongoing commitment to supporting local businesses and fostering economic development within the region.
RESPEC – Headquarters Expansion
RESPEC is a 100% employee-owned engineering consulting company. 2024 marked the company’s 55th anniversary in Rapid City. In tandem with this significant milestone, RESPEC completed its office expansion project, which increased the corporate headquarters' location to 70,000 square feet.
"The expansion of the Rapid City office represents the company's continued commitment to the Rapid City community, providing professional opportunities for our employees, and growing a North American company," said Todd Kenner, RESPEC CEO.
Key Project Details:
- Building Contractor - Kurtz Construction
- Building Architect - Architecture Incorporated
- Building Design - RESPEC
- Project Financing - Dacotah Bank
RESPEC is located at 3824 Jet Drive.
Raeco Builders – Grand Opening of Rapid City Location
Raeco Builders is a Sioux Falls-based company that offers customized steel building design services. Their expertise extends to concrete construction and general contracting to give customers a seamless building experience.
A company representative said, "We're thrilled to officially open our new office in Rapid City! This expansion marks a significant milestone for Raeco Builders as we continue to serve the growing needs of the Black Hills community. We're excited to be part of this vibrant city and look forward to building strong partnerships."
The Rapid City office is located at 2108 Elk Vale Road.
Children’s Home Society – New Campus
As the state’s oldest nonprofit human services organization, founded in 1893, just four years after South Dakota became a state, Children’s Home Society of South Dakota (CHS) has evolved to meet the changing needs of the people they serve. Their mission is to prevent, treat and heal trauma. Their vision is a world that stands up to trauma and where all people are safe, healthy, and resilient. The organization serves children and families from every county in South Dakota.
On Thursday, September 19, CHS, in conjunction with Elevate Rapid City, hosted “Sheetrock, Paper, Scissors – Ribbon Cutting/Demo Day” to celebrate the demolition and renovation process on the new Children’s Home Rapid City campus (former National American University site) at 5301 S Highway 16.
The event also celebrated the relocation of Outpatient Therapy offices from several Rapid City locations to the Highway 16 building. The team of therapists, case managers, and community health workers includes Dr. Brian A. Wilson, Child/Adolescent/Adult Psychiatrist. Dr. Wilson provides clinical services and has completed a few telehealth visits with existing patients. The new campus will permit all programs to be housed under one roof, including Children’s Home Residential Treatment and School (currently in Rockerville); Children’s Home Child Advocacy Center; Child Abuse Prevention, Training, and Education; and Community-Based Services. Should the need arise, there is also plenty of room on the new campus to expand.
“Today marks the beginning of transformative construction work and transformative services here on the CHS campus,” says President and CEO Michelle Lavallee. “We are looking forward to the day when our entire team of experts will be on one campus to help prevent, treat, and heal trauma for our children and families in the Black Hills.”
NavX Realty – Grand Opening
NavX Realty is a real estate brokerage led locally by Arnie and Tina Sharp. “We believe in serving our clients by helping them achieve financial security, build wealth, and fulfill their dreams.” The grand opening of the Rapid City office marks the first NavX Realty location west of the Mississippi.
The office is located at 628 Jackson Boulevard.
Built Right – Grand Opening of New Headquarters
Built Right is a roofing and hail restoration company founded in Rapid City in 2020. In that time, they have completed high-profile roofing projects at the University of Wyoming and the South Dakota State Capitol Building. With high-profile projects, great reputation, marketing, and fast growth, many have assumed Built Right is a franchise business. Rather, it is a Rapid City-founded company established by two local residents and business partners. They have championed the use of hail-resistant and hail-proof roofing options and ensure homes in the area are better made to withstand the unique Black Hills weather.
The company recently purchased the building at 2310 North Maple Avenue. The office will serve as the operational headquarters for Built Right Roofing & Construction, Built Right Development, and Built Right Properties as they continue to expand in the construction industry.
“There is no better place to live than right here in Rapid City,” said one of the founders. “Weather, activities, pace, and neighbors all contribute to creating a remarkable place to conduct business and raise a family.”