A groundbreaking ceremony took place Monday morning in Jefferson as part of a housing project with a new developer to the area.

Origin Homes recently purchased three in-fill lots that were owned by the city to build three single family homes, based on the 2024 Iowa Thriving Community designation from the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Director of Operations for Origin Homes Matt Daniels, said they have a footprint in 18 Iowa counties, but after he spoke with Jefferson City Administrator Scott Peterson and the housing committee, they applied for the workforce housing tax credits, which he noted helps the overall cost of buying a home to around $300,000.

“Those credits allow us to keep our quality at a very high level, but then be able to kind of get that price point more attainable, which is what we’re looking for in order to move product and then get a better property tax base going in the community by getting these houses sold and getting residents in these homes.” 

Daniels mentioned that there is going to be one four bedroom and three bathroom home, along with one three bedroom and three bathroom house at the 504 and 506 North Vine lots, while the home at 600 West Lincoln Way will have the three bedroom, three bathroom option. He said all three properties will have a two vehicle garage that faces the alleyways, respectively. 

Daniels pointed out that when the rural outreach initiative first began, their company would have contractors and trade personnel from the Des Moines metro area building out these projects. With Origin Homes increasing its reach, Daniels said they have focused more on the Vendor Buildable Area (VBA).

“So as we’re expanding and as we’re getting bigger, we’re trying to also grow that side of the business line, and those partnerships, and those connections, so it is really important. And we’re looking at some of those connections here local, with the Tri-County Lumber, and I think they’re going to play a huge part in timelines and overall success. We want the community to feel a part of it, and so we’re trying to do that as best we can and make it happen.”    

Daniels added that pending any weather issues or other delays, the anticipated timeline for completion is early to late fall.