Waukon Apartment Project Breaks Ground
Updated: December 9, 2024 | Posted: December 9, 2024
August 20, 2024 (DES MOINES, IA) – Gov. Reynolds and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) today announced more than $37 million in workforce housing tax credits to develop housing across the state. The awards will support 62 housing projects that are expected to create more than 2,000 residential units.
“As we grow our state, our housing supply needs to keep up with demand,” Reynolds said. “Iowans who live near their jobs often become more invested in their communities, and that both strengthens local economies and attracts new residents.”
Debi Durham, director of IEDA and the Iowa Finance Authority, pointed to the recently released 2024 WalletHub report that lists Iowa in first place for most affordable housing — for the second year in a row.
“We want to hold onto that ranking as we build for the future,” Durham said. “These incentives are critical to helping more communities attract and retain quality businesses and a diverse workforce.”
IEDA received 124 applications requesting $74 million in tax credits. IEDA had $35 million available for fiscal 2025, with an additional $2 million reallocation from fiscal 2024. Project applications were scored competitively based on readiness, documented financing, community impact, and developer experience.
Of the $37 million total, $20 million was awarded for projects in small communities.
Quandahl Construction of Decorah received the $1M in workforce housing tax credit award to build 36 apartments in Waukon. Many thanks to Dexter Quandahl, owner, Quandahl Construction; Gary Boden, City Manager, Waukon; Rachelle Howe, Director, Upper Explorerland Planning Commission; and Val Reinke, Director, Allamakee County Economic Development for submitting a great application! Stay tuned for details!
The Groundbreaking Event
Photo Credit to Joe Moses, Waukon Standard
Dexter and Ashley Quandahl
Ethan Novotny, Ridgeway Lumber; Shelly Novotny, Ridgeway Lumber; Brandon Mahr, Skyline; Dexter Quandahl, Quandahl Custom Homes/q4 rentals; Ashley Quandahl, QuandahlCustom Homes/q4 rentals; Dan McCabe, m6 Electric; and Adam Kurth, Kurth Plumbing and Heating.
Grant Writing Team: Rachelle Howe, Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission; Ashley Quandahl; Dexter Quandahl; Gary Boden, Waukon – City Manager; and Val Reinke, Allamakee County Economic Development & Tourism.
Grant Writing Team Celebrating Workforce Housing Tax Credit Program Success
More groundbreaking events to celebrate in the next edition of this newsletter.