West Des Moines, IA – Origin Homes is proud to announce two communities as part of the ongoing Rural Housing Initiative focused on building attainable, for-sale homes across Iowa. Origin has selected Panora, in Guthrie County, as well as a third phase of Knoxville’s Veterans District for this year’s communities. The communities could start construction as soon as this fall.
While predominantly focused on rural custom homes, Origin’s rural initiative focuses on kick-starting homebuilding in rural communities while utilizing Iowa’s Workforce Housing Tax Credits, which were announced via Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). Origin was one of 63 projects included in the $35.9 million in awards.
“Origin Homes is fortunate to continue to collaborate with so many talented communities across the state, and the list of those wanting to partner is growing quickly. Panora and Knoxville’s leaders had their housing studies complete, with single-family home types in mind, and the home lots ready to build,” said Matt Daniels, Director of Operations for Origin Homes. “These towns have strong main streets, dedicated leaders and the groundwork to grow their populations.”
Panora
Origin Homes plans to build five (5) ranch homes in Panora’s Dream Acres public-private neighborhood, developed by Panora Fiber. The homes will range from 2-3 bedrooms, all around 1,400-1,500 square feet, with finished and unfinished basements. The homes are three blocks from main street, and one block from Panora’s schools and Little Panthers Daycare.
“Right now, we have employers struggling to fill key positions, young families who want to stay but can’t find a home, and newcomers ready to join our community – if we can find them homes. Origin has a proven track record across rural Iowa, and their initiative is built on collaboration, local insight and long-term vision,” said Curt Thornberry, Mayor of Panora.
Please view image links here. *These are similar-to renderings and options.
Knoxville – Phase III
After experiencing great success in Knoxville’s 150-acre Veterans District, Origin Homes plans to build five (5) more homes in this community, adding to the ten (10) previously built and sold in the last two years. The Veterans District was created by the City of Knoxville and Marion County, with over $16 million invested in acquiring the former VA Hospital grounds, removing the buildings and developing the neighborhood.
Recently, Veterans District announced they’ve sold out of all remaining home lots, selling 34 single-family lots to Origin and other homebuilders.
“Without these credits, home prices would increase by at least $30,000 per home, something we believe would be unsustainable in our city. New housing is an essential element in Knoxville’s economic development strategy... with the development of the Veterans District, that shortage has ended,” said Brian Hatch, Knoxville Mayor.
About Origin’s Rural Housing Initiative
Origin Homes successfully built 28 homes in five communities – Gowrie, Manning, Conrad, Jefferson and Knoxville – as part of the rural housing initiative. You can view available homes HERE.
If your community is interested in working with Origin Homes, please visit Origin’s website.
Per IEDA guidelines, the project cost to build each home that utilizes the tax credits cannot exceed $325,000 and builders must build the homes in a minimum of three years. You can see the full list of awards here.
About Origin
Origin Homes is a custom homebuilder that builds in all 99 Iowa counties and primarily focuses on build on your land in rural areas. Origin offers fully custom drawn and built homes, land preparation and discovery services as well as semi-custom home plans. To learn more about Origin and to view other floorplans, visit originhomesiowa.com.
