Story perspectives

Centerville Revitalizes Downtown, Attracts New Businesses and Projects

4/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

Centerville, a town in eastern South Dakota, transformed its downtown with a strong vacant building ordinance passed in 2017, rehabilitating dilapidated properties and attracting new businesses such as a clothing boutique and a salon.
Jared Hybertson, Centerville's economic development coordinator, emphasizes the importance of community engagement in this effort.
Future projects include loft housing and an event center.
The approach serves as a model for other towns facing similar issues.

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Story summary

Centerville, a town in eastern South Dakota, transformed its downtown with a strong vacant building ordinance passed in 2017, rehabilitating dilapidated properties and attracting new businesses such as a clothing boutique and a salon.
Jared Hybertson, Centerville's economic development coordinator, emphasizes the importance of community engagement in this effort.
Future projects include loft housing and an event center.
The approach serves as a model for other towns facing similar issues.