The city of Mitchell has successfully auctioned off the last mobile home at its city-owned mobile home park during an auction held on October 8, 2025. One mobile home and a house were put up for bidding, but only the mobile home attracted interest.
Dan Ries, a resident of Mitchell and the sole bidder, purchased unit 39 for $100. This three-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath mobile home is noted for its condition, having been described by Ries as “in pretty good shape” for a unit that is 50 years old. The mobile home includes essential amenities such as washer and dryer units and a shed, and was even cleaned by the previous tenant, making it move-in ready.
Ries plans to relocate the mobile home to the nearby Phoenix Community Mobile Home Park, located just a block east of Hitchcock Park on East Birch Avenue. This acquisition marks the fourth mobile home from the First Avenue park that Ries will be moving to his property. He has now spent a total of $450 on three mobile home units from city auctions, making him the most active bidder in this process.
While the mobile home sold, the house at 1219 E. First Avenue failed to attract any bids. The two-bedroom, one-bath structure showed signs of vandalism, including broken windows and wall damage, which led to police tape being placed at its entrances. Mayor Jordan Hanson confirmed that the house will be demolished, stating, “You only move nice houses.”
The city of Mitchell purchased the mobile home park for $1 million in April. Following the auction, only three trailers remain on the property, but all tenants have vacated. The city has plans to redevelop the site, with Hanson noting that a developer from Sioux Falls has expressed interest in the project.
In mid-September, the city extended the deadline for redevelopment proposals to October 31 after an initial deadline passed without any submissions. Hanson indicated that discussions with interested developers may lead to a public meeting to align their visions for the property. He anticipates a completion timeline of three to four years, acknowledging that his initial estimate of one to two years was overly ambitious.
As the city moves forward with its redevelopment plans, the auction of the last mobile home represents a significant step in transitioning away from its former use. The city aims to ensure a productive future for the site, which has been a longstanding part of the community landscape.