Meet Nick and Ali, a couple whose story bridges past and future, tradition and progress, all right here in Mitchell, South Dakota.

Nick, a Mitchell native, and Ali, originally from Sioux Falls, first met during their freshman year at SDSU, living just down the hall from each other. Though their friendship started early, it wasn’t until their junior year that sparks flew. They began dating in 2015 and have been building a life together ever since.

Now married, Nick and Ali are the proud parents of Whittaker, their energetic one-year-old, and pet parents to Rem the labradoodle, a flock of ducks, and some well-loved chickens. The family recently made the leap from city life to the family farm near Mitchell, and they couldn’t be happier.

For Nick, returning to his hometown was a natural fit. For Ali, Mitchell offered the perfect mix of charm, community, and opportunity. "It felt like the right size of town for our family," Ali shared. “There’s something so special about running into familiar faces wherever we go.”

Their move was a whirlwind of exciting transitions: expecting their first baby, shifting into rural living, and launching a local branch office of their architecture firm, designArc Group, LLC. Both work as Architectural Associates and have a deep passion for community-focused design. One of their proudest projects to date? Helping design the beloved Palace City Brewery.

Mitchell quickly became more than a hometown; it became a place to invest, connect, and grow. Nick currently serves on the Historic Preservation Board, while Ali sits on the Habitat for Humanity Board. Together, they’re regulars at First Fridays on Main Street, the Corn Palace Farmer’s Market, and occasional events with the Mitchell Young Professionals Group.

Their hobbies reflect both their roots and aspirations. Nick has a deep love for historic preservation, classic cars, hunting, and working the farm, while Ali embraces her “Mom Era” with a love of gardening, raising chickens and ducks, and sharing her farm-to-table passion at the local farmer’s market.

When it comes to favorites in town, you’re likely to find the family downtown at the Corn Palace Festival, cheering at Mitchell High School sporting events, or strolling the bike and walking trails around the lake. For lunch or a treat, Michelle’s Mad Batter and Palace City Brewery are top choices. And for a true hidden gem? Don’t miss the beautifully preserved Carnegie Library.

To anyone considering a move to Mitchell, the couple offers this advice: “Get involved! It may feel new at first, but it won’t take long for it to feel like home.” And while they’d love to see even more family-friendly opportunities in town, they’re proud of the direction Mitchell is headed.

As Ali puts it, “Our new life here in Mitchell is a dual perspective — for Nick, it was a welcome back, and for me, it was a warm welcome home.”

Theirs is a story of coming home, starting fresh, and planting deep roots in the Palace City.

*Photo by Kaci Rae Photography