A strategic shift: Furniture Mission finds new home

Following the success of their Community Appeals Campaign from April 1 to July 31, 2022, Furniture Mission recently embarked on a new path to secure a long-term home. They initially planned to build a 27,000-square-foot facility on the Empower Campus, but updated construction estimates came in between $8-11 million—well beyond the pre-pandemic budget of $5-7 million—with an appraised value of only $6.8 million. A new plan was needed to make better use of the funds raised.

“It was clear we needed to find an option that would allow us to stay focused on our mission without stretching resources too thin,” said Janean Michalov, executive director of Furniture Mission.

In August, they found an ideal solution: a centrally located 24,000-square-foot property at 800 S. Van Eps. “This location checks all the boxes and aligns with the original goals of our campaign,” Michalov said. “It not only offers a great fit in terms of size and accessibility for clients, but it is in a central Sioux Falls location with great visibility and remains close to other nonprofits.” 

The new facility will also include four loading docks, which will significantly improve the organization’s operational efficiency.

Thanks to the generosity of their supporters, Furniture Mission had already raised the needed $2.5 million to fund the purchase debt-free, paying cash for both the building and an adjacent house that will be converted to parking. 

“It is important we move the home to be upcycled for another family,” Michalov added.

The organization’s two current buildings and the land at the Empower Campus are now on the market, with proceeds from these sales expected to fully cover renovation costs for the Van Eps property.

The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, the Community Appeals Committee and many dedicated supporters and volunteers have all helped Furniture Mission move forward in this new direction. With initial work already underway, Furniture Mission plans to open their new facility by June 2025, where they will continue to serve the community.