Why Wall Rocks Series – #2 Wall is Growing and Changing

July 2017

Small towns are often perceived as slow to change with few activities and little business growth. Thankfully, Wall is not just any rural, small town. Wall is rapidly growing, adapting and changing thanks to forward-thinking leadership, dedicated business owners, inspired entrepreneurs and empowered youth.

Business Growth and Change

Wall has recently experienced diverse business growth and change. Thanks to a young entrepreneur who purchased the previously empty “Wall Mall” building on Main Street, new businesses are opening their doors. In spring 2016, one brand new business, the Vintage Soule Salon and Boutique, opened for business. The “Wall Mall” has also allowed Farm Bureau Financial Services to open at a new space. More businesses are planned to open in the building in the coming years. This 36,000 square foot building provides several potential business opportunities.

The list of new businesses does not end there. Wall Car Care Center and M&M Sales opened in spring 2016. Kodiak Coffee, located in the basement of the Wildlife Museum on Main Street, opened in summer 2016.

Other businesses have transferred ownership, making upgrades and improvements as well. The Wall Meat Processing Plant has been re-opened under new ownership. The building has been re-painted and several interior upgrades have been made. Sleepy Hollow Campground is under new ownership, and changes are underway!

Several Wall businesses have been growing, changing and updating. The Badlands Saloon and Grille underwent a massive remodel project, which has given new life to the business and Wall’s Main Street. Wall Car Care Center re-painted a portion of their business. Wall Car Care Center and M&M Sales have added new signage. The Wall Building Center updated the tin on the outside of the building, Wall Dairy Queen added a new sign, Corner Pantry added all new gas pumps, a new sign has been added outside First Interstate Bank for the First Western Insurance Agency, the Pennington County Courant updated the exterior of their building, Black Hills Federal Credit Union added a new sign, and Wall Yoga has moved to the basement of the Wall Building Center, providing a convenient space for yoga classes.

Community Center Remodel

One of the most significant community updates has been the remodel of the Wall Community Center. The City Finance Officer and Wall-Badlands Area Chamber Executive Director offices have been updated with new carpet, new cabinets and other upgrades. An office space was created for Wall Economic Development. The meeting room has been transformed and will be updated with modern technology to make meetings more comfortable and effective. The space is now ADA compliant. The City plans to hold an open house in the fall.

So Many Activities!

2015 community surveys indicated a need for more community activities in Wall. Now, after two years of hard work, there are several new community activities!

The Wall Archery Range is now open to the public and use of the range is completely free! The Wall Archery Range is located south of the Wall Golf Course.

A Wall High School senior is working on creating the “Wall Field of Films,” a community outdoor theatre, which will one day become a drive-in theatre. The “Wall Field of Films” is set to open on July 6th!

Wall is now part of the Everybody Walks! South Dakota program. At 6 pm on the second and fourth Monday of each month, community members will meet at the Wall Community Center to participate in a two-mile walk around the community. Participation is completely free!

On August 7th, Wall will host the first annual Wall Crawl. The Wall Crawl will host a benefit poker run for the Ride Therapy Project, a non-profit organization that rebuilds motorcycles for disabled veterans. Riders will have the opportunity to feature their bikes during the “Show & Shine,” held at the Wall Car Care Center. The event will be topped off by a LIVE 35th & Taylor Concert at the Wall Rodeo Grounds.

Wall in the Fall, an outdoor community fall festival and dance, was held for the first time last October. The event was so fun and successful that it will continue for years to come. Wall in the Fall set for October 15th, 2017.

Looking to the Future

Wall is a fantastic community, full of growth and excitement for the future. Thank you to all of our leaders, business owners, entrepreneurs and community members who have invested time and money into the community. Without you, our progress would not be possible. If you have made updates or changes to your business and you are not featured in this article, please call (605) 279-2658 and we will add your information. We look forward to continued community growth, new businesses, business expansion and more community activities!

As always, thank you for being such a great community. It is because of you we have it all in Wall!

For more information about Wall Economic Development, visit our website, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter – @WallEconomicDev

Cheyenne McGriff
WEDC Executive Director
(605) 279-2658
walledd@gwtc.net