The July 1948 issue of Architectural Forum thought that the Sioux Falls Bus Terminal, new at the time, was interesting enough to write about. You may have been through this terminal and never given it a second thought. You may have driven by and offered it nary a glance. It's gone now, and I for one regret not having given it much of a look.
The waiting area had some futuristic couch seats and a nice curved bar for the cafe area. While the building was small, it was nicely appointed and pleasantly lit.
The Sioux Falls Bus Terminal was torn down in 2005. With bus travel decreasing over the years, and that part of downtown being a bit inhospitable, you can see why.
This sign was the last remnant of the depot. Not part of the original architectural idea, though.
The spot where the bus depot once was. I'm sorry I didn't get a better look at it when it was alive. I use it as a lesson; to pay attention to my city and try to appreciate architecturally interesting things I may have overlooked.
For your perusal, I am including the full three-page article on the depot. You can join the discussion in the forums where you can learn and share more about the Jack Rabbit Lines. |
Page Updated: 10/17/2008
Architectural FORUM July 1948
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The Exterior is pretty attractive, especially at night.
The waiting area from the dock. The docks had seven ports, if you will, for busses. From above the dock looked like a knife with seven large serrations. It was the best use of the available space for ease of access for the busses. They could pull in forward, back out a little, then pull out through the alley behind the terminal. 
If you've ever traveled cross-country via bus, you know it's an experience best left to your enemies, but you just can't beat the price. If you've got time to kill and want to see the country, stopping in every town between your origin and destination, bus is the way to go. I can't recommend it myself.
Another view of the lunch counter. 
