West Des Moines, IA – Origin Homes is proud to announce three new communities as part of their ongoing rural housing initiative moving across the state. Origin has selected Jefferson and Conrad and will be returning to Knoxville’s Veterans District for a second phase following a successful first phase.  

Origin’s rural initiative focuses on kick-starting homebuilding in various communities while utilizing Iowa’s Workforce Housing Tax Credits, which were announced via Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) today, Tuesday, August 20. Origin was one of 62 included in this $37 million in awardees.  

“Alongside the credits, Team Origin creatively designs homes that fit the needs based off the community’s feedback in rural housing assessment surveys, leadership discussions and community input. The collaboration and creativity we’ve seen from our rural communities is outstanding and makes this initiative extremely impactful,” said Matt Daniels, Director of Operations for Origin Homes. “We need to keep finding ways to draw people to our communities all through our state so we can continue to thrive.”  

Jefferson  

Origin Homes intends to build three homes on three infill lots throughout various established neighborhoods within Jefferson. The city has removed dilapidated properties in hopes that new construction will continue to draw people to the area. After obtaining the 2023 Iowa’s Thriving Community designation, Jefferson’s been working diligently to attract single-family and multi-family homebuilders. Business expansions are also demanding Jefferson to designate new housing (Bauer Built growing team, expansions in downtown retail and hospitality and restaurants and a new Financial Center for investment services will create 10 new jobs).  

“Currently a significant number of employees working in Greene County are forced to live outside the county because of lack of housing. They’ve taken the challenge head on in other communities who are already reaping the benefits of homeownership,” said Scott Weber, President of Greene County Development Corporation.  

Conrad  

The Catherine Farmer development is surrounded by city parks, Oakwood lighted Golf Course, and trail access to BCLUW School District in Grundy County. Origin is proposing to build five homes varying from 1,400-1,600 square feet with full basements, garages and turn-key finishes. Conrad is home to major ag employers including Green Products, Nucara, Ritchies, PCA, Mid-Iowa Coop and the school district.  

“There has been a housing shortage within the community and when homes become available, they’re typically off the market in a week or two. This initiative home buildouts through Origin Homes would fill a crucial gap in the housing market,” said Luke Wilson, Conrad Development Committee Chairman. 

Knoxville – Phase II  

After experiencing great success in Knoxville’s 150-acre Veterans District, Origin Homes plans to build five more homes in this community. This time, the exteriors, floorplans and finish types will vary greatly from one home to the next while still featuring alley-loading garages, across the street from Veterans Park and Knoxville School District. Origin Homes has sold three out of five homes in this neighborhood and are excited to expand on the momentum. 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. 

“While our major employers have expanded their operations, their ability to recruit new employees has been constrained by the housing shortage.... Origin can continue leading the way in providing valuable workforce housing in our community,” said Nathan Sage, Executive Director, Knoxville Chamber of Commerce. 

Origin Homes successfully built fifteen homes in three communities – Gowrie, Manning and Knoxville - in 2023-2024 as part of the first year of their rural initiative. More than 50% of the homes were pre-sold before construction was completed.  

Per IEDA guidelines, the project cost to build each home that utilizes the tax credits cannot exceed $298,021 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. To learn more about Origin and to view other floorplans, visit originhomesiowa.com.