Waples Block

You’ve probably walked past it without thinking twice—the pink stone building along North Phillips Avenue that seems to blend into the streetscape. But the Waples Block, also known as the Van Brunt Building, is one of Sioux Falls’ oldest survivors, and its story is deeply woven into the city’s growth.

Built in 1885, the two‑story structure at 226–234 North Phillips Avenue is the oldest remaining building in its historic district. In a frontier town still finding its footing, that alone makes the Waples Block notable. But what truly sets it apart is how often it has reinvented itself over more than 140 years.

Built for a Future That Took Its Time

The Waples Block was designed by prominent architect Wallace Dow and built by Robert C. Waples, a local lumberman with an eye toward opportunity. Waples constructed the building halfway between early downtown Sioux Falls and the railroad depot, betting this stretch of Phillips Avenue would become a bustling corridor.

That growth took longer than expected—but Waples didn’t cut corners. The building was constructed from locally quarried pink quartzite, the same durable stone seen in many of Sioux Falls’ most recognizable historic buildings. Rough‑faced and laid in irregular patterns, the stone gave the structure both strength and a distinctly late‑19th‑century character.

A Rotating Cast of Tenants

Because of its “in‑between” location during the city’s early years, businesses came and went quickly. Rather than weakening the building’s legacy, that steady turnover turned the Waples Block into a snapshot of Sioux Falls life across generations.

Over the years, it housed a printer, a cigar factory, a dressmaker, a doctor’s office, an undertaker, and—inevitably—a saloon. Wholesalers, manufacturers, carriage dealers, cigar shops, and professional offices all passed through its doors, reflecting the changing needs of a growing city.

From Horsepower to Horsepower… of a Different Kind

A major shift came in 1913, when businessman William Van Brunt purchased the building and renamed it the Van Brunt Block. He used the space to support his automobile dealership, embracing a new era as cars began reshaping city streets.

Even before that, change was already underway. In 1909, part of the building was altered to include a garage door—a subtle but telling sign of technological transition. A one‑story addition followed, keeping the property functional as transportation and commerce evolved.

The building saw some of its busiest years in the 1920s, when it served as Sioux Falls’ city bus depot from 1925 to 1935. For a decade, nearly anyone heading out of town likely passed through this very spot.

Still Standing, Still Adapting

After its transportation days, the building took on another long‑term civic role as a U.S. Post Office commercial station, serving Sioux Falls from 1930 well into the 1980s. Later, it became home to Kilian Community College, continuing its tradition of public service—this time in education.

Today, the Waples Block is a multi‑use building once again, housing several local businesses and a spa. Its purpose has changed many times, but its presence remains constant.

Quiet, unassuming, and remarkably resilient, the Waples Block doesn’t demand attention. But for those who stop to look, it tells a story of ambition, adaptation, and a city growing around it—one generation at a time.