Aberdeen, SD (2022)
The arrival of the Lakewood Mall in 1990 ushered in an era of downtown decay, resulting in a displacement of Aberdeen’s core. Friends & Citizens considered how restoring the historic Civic Arena and surrounding campus could help bring life back downtown.
Throughout the summer of 2022, four design students – Jami Ewart, Matthew Woldt, Abby Dethlefsen, and Miranda Ysbrand – worked together to propose the renovation of the Civic Arena and its surrounding campus in Aberdeen, SD. An effort has recently emerged to revitalize Downtown Aberdeen and re-establish it as the heartbeat of the community. Historically, the Civic Arena functioned as a hub of community activity, hosting everything from high school basketball to Louis Armstrong, Johnny Cash, and U.S. presidents. Restorations are sorely needed to bring the arena back to its former glory. No hammers have been swung, but we’re moving the ball forward. Or puck, I suppose.
