How To Build A Better Community

In Nostalgia Street Episode 8, we engaged in a lighthearted discussion with our guest, Joe Batcheller, the President of Downtown Sioux Falls. The conversation kicked off with one of Vince’s random questions about drafting members of the band U2 as characters in a Dungeons and Dragons game. Joe humorously assigned roles to different band members based on their personalities.

As the conversation unfolded, we delved into Joe's childhood, asking about his experiences and memories. Joe shared stories of his imaginative and mischievous behavior as a five-year-old, including an incident involving an attempted flight out of a window. The conversation then turned to childhood games, such as Atari video games, board games like Monopoly and Clue, and an invented game called "Ditch 'Em," which is a team hide and seek.

We inquired about any haunted or abandoned places in Joe's childhood neighborhood, and the conversation took a nostalgic turn as we reminisced about neighborhood legends, like the infamous "old man Foster." Joe continued with a humorous reflection on the Scooby-Doo characters, comparing himself to both Fred and Shaggy depending on the day of the week.

We then reflected on the sitcom "Gilligan's Island" and the amusing scenario of someone escaping the island but the rest remaining stuck due to incompetence. We shared memories of characters like the professor and Marianne.

Joe then delved into early experiences with romance, reminiscing about his first girlfriend in first grade or kindergarten. We discussed the simplicity of childhood relationships, involving candy and holding hands at recess.

Next, we explored Joe's musical journey, starting with his introduction to punk and new wave music through mixtapes made by his cousins. Joe recalled his exploration of music stores in the mall, buying tapes and CDs, and creating mixtapes for special occasions, especially to express romantic interest.

Joe shared his evolving music preferences, from classic rock (Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd) to grunge (Nirvana, Beastie Boys, Green Day). Joe shared his preference to the '90s as a musical decade and his first concert, which was Metallica during the "Injustice For All" album tour.

The conversation then took a turn as we asked about childhood games and pranks. Joe recalled making prank calls, including a reverse prank call that sometimes caught people off guard and getting caught by his grandfather. He shared a story of consuming alcohol underage and the disappointment he felt when his father found out.

Vince then asked about Joe's formative years, discussing influential adults and mentors in his life. Joe reflected on friends who served as positive role models. He also credited his high school algebra teacher and soccer coach, Steve Cornish, for instilling a growth mindset and teaching valuable life lessons. Joe then shared his journey in urban planning, highlighting the influence of his advisor, who taught him valuable skills in writing and problem-solving during his master's program. He reflected on the importance of mentors and how certain individuals have shaped his growth. Joe then shared more about his role with Downtown Sioux Falls (DTSF) and the factors that led them to this position, including a desire to be closer to family. He talked about the growth and development of downtown Sioux Falls, emphasizing the impact of increased residential living and the changing retail scene.

Joe then touched on challenges faced and future plans for DTSF, including efforts to support and develop local retail. The conversation concluded with Joe sharing childhood aspirations, lessons learned from experiences, and his vision for the future of downtown Sioux Falls, including potential developments in the Sioux Steel District.

Throughout, we shared a blend of personal anecdotes, reflections on professional growth, and insights into the evolving landscape of urban planning and downtown development.

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You can connect with Joe on LinkedIn.

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