The judge moves to protect the Strigeus mansion from destruction in Sioux Falls

SIOUX FALLS, SD (Dakota News Now) – Vitaly Strijeus is trying to finish building his dream home for his family of nine.

However, in 2016 downgrade order was placed in front of the residence because neighbors complained that the address had become a target for vandals and that construction had spread debris in the area. Despite the demolition order, the city continued approve building permit applicationsto complete the interior and exterior of the house in 2017 and 2021.

“It was never our intention that this place in the city would be disturbed or that it would be a disappointment to the neighbors. We never want that, not once,” Strijeus said.

Sod is in, trees have been planted and the house has new exterior paint, Strijeus says. Significant progress has been made since the demolition order, and the family plans to move in by the end of the year.

On Tuesday, the Honorable Judge Lange noted that the decision by the city of Sioux Falls to demolish their home “would be an extremely wasteful, unfortunate and somewhat unwise act.”

Judge Lange issued a 19-page opinion stating that if the city of Sioux Falls decides to demolish the “substantially finished home,” then the lawsuit will continue and take more taxpayer money.

The Stryjays are close to finishing their house and Judge Lange said allowing them to finish construction would be “a more sensible outcome than demolishing the house and then potentially having more disputes”.

Read Judge Lange’s full opinion below.

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