HOT SPRINGS, SD – After traveling to the Black Hills from Colorado for many years, the Alleys began looking for a way to move here and saw the potential of a building that was up for sale around that time last year.
Fargo Mercantile, hot springs
Kimberly Alley, co-owner of Fargo Mercantile, says, “We love the story. We fell in love with it as we walked through the building. “Jeff Alley, the other owner of Fargo Mercantile, says,” I’ve always loved antiques and I really appreciate everything that is old and really old. and the stone work on the outside of the building was just spectacular. “
They quickly applied for a History Preservation Grant to aid the restoration or redevelopment of historic properties to protect the culture and history of South Dakota. The program is funded by Deadwood gaming revenue, which is provided under state law for historic preservation projects across the state. The program is administered by the company State Office for the Preservation of Monuments at the Heritage Center in Pierre.
Fargo Mercantile, hot springs
They learned about the story from the collection of the Helen Magee Heritage Room in the local library.
Fargo Mercantile, hot springs
It was built in 1910 and has seen a handful of owners since then, with Killinger Furniture being the longest from 1912 to 1969.
With over 10,000 square meters, the building includes a second floor with six suites.
Fargo Mercantile, Hot Springs (old photo)
The building is known as the Smith Fargo Suites, or to some as the Fargo Mercantile, among others. But preservation goes hand in hand with everything historical.
Kimberly says, “We (hot springs) are known for sandstone buildings and the one next to us burned down, so it would be nice to bring this back to its old beauty.” Jeff adds, “It’s very important to keep this in good shape. It’s how the On brings its face forward, it’s what it’s known for.”
One of 6 suites on the upper floor of the Mercantile Building
They received equivalent funding worth just over $ 16,000. The mortar that needs repairs is a top priority in order to preserve the building, as well as repairs to sandstone and fire damaged on the side of the building and work on the roof.
Jeff & Kimberly Alley, owners of Fargo Mercantile, Hot Springs
With a restaurant and real estate background, the alleys recognized the potential of the commercial building, but initially wanted to bring it to snuff.
Future plans might include leasing or partnering with someone to run a restaurant, and upstairs might include a plan for an Air B&B or Bed and Breakfast down the street. They are happy to be part of the Hot Springs Community.
Jeff says, “The people are extremely friendly and it’s a wonderful, small, close-knit community that is just growing, but I think the feel and make-up of the community will stay as it is, regardless of how she is growing. “
Jeff & Kimberly Alley, owners of Fargo Mercantile, Hot Springs
They will start the renovations soon. Within a few years, the street they are on will have a facelift. So you are aware of the construction on US Hwy. 385, which is planned for the future.
Fargo Mercantile, hot springs. Sheet metal ceiling
A fun fact is that the sheet metal ceiling is 100% original and is the largest continuous sheet metal ceiling of any building in South Dakota.
Categories:: Local news, South Dakota News
Heritage Center in Pierre., Deadwood game revenue, Fargo Merchantile, financing, subsidy, Hot Springs, Jeff & Kimberly Alley, Renovations, Sandstone building, Culture and History of South Dakota, State Office for the Preservation of Monuments