BG Dean Mann Readiness Center

South Dakota Army National Guard / Sioux Falls, South Dakota

From Vision to Reality: Bringing Architectural Renderings to Life… more photos coming soon!

In collaboration with FEH Design, the South Dakota Department of the Military proudly completed the planning, design, and construction of the BG Dean Mann Readiness Center—a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to recruiting, training, and community engagement.

Strategically situated along I-229 in Sioux Falls, SD, the center is a striking landmark. Its exterior features precast concrete with thin-brick accents, locally sourced Sioux Quartzite stone, and sandblasted finishes. A prominent two-story entryway with illuminated graphics welcomes visitors, offering intuitive wayfinding throughout the building.

The facility is purposefully divided into public and private areas, balancing military needs with community use. Key spaces include a drill hall, classrooms, secured storage, multi-purpose rooms, staff offices, and a spacious lobby. The drill hall is enhanced with large-scale graphics, while the lobby features a custom metal artwork of the Minute Man—a powerful symbol of readiness, vigilance, and service. The Minute Man represents the historical legacy of citizen-soldiers prepared to defend their communities at a moment’s notice, aligning with the facility’s mission to prepare today’s soldiers for modern challenges.

Designed to meet LEED NC v4 Silver Certification, the BG Dean Mann Readiness Center exemplifies sustainability, innovation, and a commitment to serving both the military and the local community.

2023: South Dakota won the Best CFMO (Construction Facility Management Office) in the nation with this project earning them key points in the evaluation criteria.

“Without you and your teams willingness, dedication, and passion to take on and accomplish what seemed to be a virtually impossible feat, we would not have executed the design, let alone awarded a construction contract, prior to the end of the Federal Fiscal Year. This execution helped pick up several key points within the evaluation criteria.” – Cullen Jorgensen, Engineering Manager, South Dakota Department of the Military

FEH DESIGN Architecture, Structural Engineering, Interior Design, Environmental Branding / MEP ENGINEER Farris Engineering / CIVIL AND LANDSCAPE ENGINEER Stockwell Engineers / GENERAL CONTRACTOR Peska Construction / PHOTOGRAPHY Diesel Pictures / COMMISSIONING Farris Engineering / LEED C-Wise Design and Consulting

Architect Brittney Ruba receives Challenge Coin

FEH Design is proud to announce that Architect Brittney Ruba, along with project partners Fritz Gildemeister of Peska Construction and Kelly Eitreim from the South Dakota Department of the Military, received Challenge Coins from the Adjutant General of South Dakota. This prestigious recognition was presented during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the BG Dean Mann Readiness Center in Sioux Falls, SD, commemorating the successful completion of this significant project.

Pictured left to right: Fritz Gildenmeister, Kelly Eitreim, Brittney Ruba, and Cullen Jorgensen

Remarks from The Adjutant General:

Brittney Ruba, FEH Design"Brittney played a key role in designing and executing the project within the fiscal year appropriation. Her meticulous oversight during construction ensured that contractors’ work met all plans and specifications, contributing significantly to the project’s success."
Fritz Gildemeister, Peska Construction"Fritz expertly kept the project ahead of schedule, managing material orders, deliveries, installations, and subcontractor coordination. His close communication with Dean Mann’s family and warm inclusion of Dean during his “inspections” exemplified outstanding professionalism and care."
Kelly Eitreim, South Dakota Department of the Military"Kelly provided vital coordination between designers, contractors, and stakeholders. Her problem-solving skills and timely communication ensured smooth resolutions to complex challenges, making her an indispensable part of the project team."

Challenge Coins: A Symbol of Excellence

Challenge coins are deeply respected within the military community, symbolizing recognition, gratitude, and respect for exceptional service and contributions. Receiving a challenge coin is a distinguished honor, reflecting the recipient’s dedication, leadership, and meaningful impact.

Dean Mann’s family, military personnel, and Governor Kristi Noem at the ribbon-cutting ceremony