Building community at The Cascade
October 7, 2024Popular Sioux Falls businesses grow downtown, earn incentives
Downtown Sioux Falls has undergone a transformation. Through continued public and private investment, the downtown area has evolved into a vibrant mixed-use environment home to a variety of professional businesses as well as unique shopping and entertainment venues, along with residential buildings and hotels.
Part of this transformation includes The Cascade at Falls Park. With 197 two-level and townhome-style lofts, The Cascade blends modern, luxury living with charming community spaces. Residents enjoy resort-style amenities like a pool, hot tub, game room, and multiple indoor and outdoor gathering areas designed to foster connections.
It also boasts street-level retail spaces which have attracted some of Sioux Falls’ most loved businesses, making it a go-to destination for residents and visitors alike.
Four of these businesses–Severance Brewing, La Luna Cafe, Papa Woody’s Wood Fired Pizza, and Mary’s Mountain Cookies–have collectively benefitted from over $30,000 in electric rebates through Heartland Energy’s Growth Incentive Program. The rebates, which are offered in partnership with the City of Sioux Falls, are part of Heartland’s long-running effort to support new and expanding businesses in its customer communities.
Severance Brewing was the first announced commercial tenant after development of The Cascade was announced, setting the tone for the dynamic business community. Known for its eclectic craft beers and laid-back atmosphere, Severance is a favorite hangout for those wanting to “sever ties” with the mundane. Owners Scott and Melissa Heckel offer a variety of rotating brews, from classic ales to more creative flavors like peanut butter and jelly porter. Shuffleboard tables and classic board games, kid-friendly features, pay-it-forward pints and other special touches make this brewery a must-stop for friends, family and conversation.
La Luna Cafe has been another staple since The Cascade opened, offering a blend of specialty coffees, fresh pastries and all-day breakfast with an international twist. Owner Stephanie Arne brought her global perspective to Sioux Falls, creating a cozy and welcoming café where local artists, students and professionals can come to relax and refuel.
Papa Woody’s, a Sioux Falls favorite, found its first permanent home in The Cascade after years of serving wood-fired pizza from a mobile trailer. Owners Lisa and Steve Woody serve up signature dishes like wood-fired Italian nachos and pizzas cooked in a 1,000-degree oven imported from France. The new retail space also allowed them to expand their menu with burgers, sandwiches and a salad bar.
Mary’s Mountain Cookies, an iconic cookie brand originating from Colorado, draws cookies lovers from all over with its massive, gourmet-sized treats. Owner Becky McElroy opened the bakery during the height of the pandemic, but the shop’s signature cookies–measuring a hefty 5 ounces–quickly became a hit. From edible cookie dough to cookie-filled ice cream sandwiches, Mary’s has added a sweet touch to The Cascade’s offerings.
Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, the growth incentive program offers new and expanding businesses rebates on their retail electric bills for a period of three years, equating to one year’s worth of free electricity at the end of the incentive period.
“It’s a great way for us to support business growth within the communities we serve,” said Heartland Energy Director of Economic Development Casey Crabtree. “We want to see them succeed, and by reducing their energy costs, we hope to give them the freedom to reinvest in their operations and flourish.”
Heartland Energy provides wholesale power to Sioux Falls Light and Power, which in turn serves The Cascade.
