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WEST DES MOINES -- Origin Homes, a rural custom homebuilder based in West Des Moines, has been awarded Workforce Housing Tax Credits through the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Iowa Finance Authority for housing projects in Webster City, Knoxville, Panora and Conrad, continuing the single-family homebuilder’s mission to increase attainable homeownership opportunities in rural Iowa
communities.
The awards support Origin Homes’ Rural Housing Initiative, a program launched in 2023 to address housing shortages in smaller communities by delivering single-family homes in partnership with local leaders, employers and economic development organizations. Over the past three years, the initiative has resulted in 38 homes across six Iowa communities, with the majority sold, closed or under contract.
While Origin Homes specializes primarily in custom homebuilding, the team also works closely with communities to identify opportunities for attainable new construction.
Conrad: Building on Phase One Momentum
Origin Homes will return to Conrad with plans to construct three additional ranch-style homes, following the success of five homes completed in the community during the previous phase. The development represented a significant boost for Conrad’s housing market, which had seen limited new residential construction and low resale inventory in recent years.
Located across from the BCLUW School District, the new homes will continue the successful formula of modern, move-in-ready ranch homes featuring two- and three-car garages, contemporary finishes and a mix of farmhouse, traditional and modern exterior styles.
"Additional housing and families in Conrad have an obvious benefit to our school system, which has been dealing with the impact of declining enrollment in recent years. More homes and families in Conrad should also have a beneficial cultural and economic development impact in our area. The additional homes will help sustain housing momentum in the community while providing more opportunities for families seeking newly constructed housing in Grundy County," said Ben Petty, superintendent of BCLUW Community School District.
As Origin Homes enters its fourth year of the Rural Housing Initiative, the company continues to focus on partnerships that create long-term housing solutions for Iowa communities.