Project
KLJ partnered with the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe to plan and implement the development of a new 12,000-square-foot grocery and convenience store in West Brule, SD. The project was initiated to meet the community’s need for accessible food options and economic development, strategically located adjacent to the existing KWO Trading Post. The project scope included grant acquisition, planning, design, and ongoing construction oversight.
Solution
KLJ led the project from its earliest planning stages by developing a Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) in 2021, which informed the concept design of the store and guided the Tribe through the federal grant process. KLJ successfully authored and submitted the grant application that secured $3.7 million in funding from the US Economic Development Administration (EDA). In parallel, KLJ provided land development services, civil and structural design, and collaborated with the Tribe to ensure the project met both functional and budgetary goals. The final design included commercial features such as warehousing, freezer and cooler areas, retail shelving, and a commercial kitchen equipped for deli operations.
During the design process, KLJ served as a critical liaison among the Tribe, general contractor, and grocery operator. The team conducted value engineering to maintain the project within the Tribe’s $7 million budget while still meeting functional needs. Construction documents were finalized in December 2023 with a bid price of approximately $4 million for building and site development. KLJ also assisted with soliciting bids for kitchen and grocery equipment, which totaled approximately $2.5 million.
Results
Construction began in December 2023 and was completed in the spring of 2025. KLJ continues to support the Tribe as the owner’s representative, performing construction administration, reviewing contractor pay requests, and managing change orders. The store is expected to be a valuable asset to the West Brule community, promoting both health and economic resilience.
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