Spencer Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) and Kading Properties (Kading) are continuing discussions about the potential for a new housing development in Spencer following the community’s participation in Kading’s Hometown Tours program. SEDC hosted Iowa-based housing developer Kading in July to showcase Spencer’s housing opportunities, workforce needs, and ongoing development efforts.
Each year, Kading selects five communities to include in the Hometown Tours to learn more about the community, housing needs, and opportunities. SEDC applied for and was selected to participate in the program’s third year. Kading’s approach focuses on understanding local workforce and housing needs, collaborating with community partners, developing workforce housing, and reinvesting in the communities it serves.
Six individuals from the Kading team joined SEDC and local partners from the chamber, Main Street, hospital, school, Clay County Fair, city leadership, Iowa Lakes Corridor and area employers. During the tour, the group discussed current development, areas for growth, workforce and housing needs, and opportunities for continued growth.
“It was an honor to be selected for Kading’s Hometown Tours and be given the opportunity to share our community and the development underway in Spencer,” shared SEDC President Jason Warren. “We are proud of the partnerships and collaboration that continue to move Spencer forward, and we were excited to share those efforts with the Kading team.”
During the tour, participants visited key community assets and development sites including the North Y development, Spencer Hospital, Spencer Community Schools, downtown Main Street, the Clay County Fairgrounds, residential development properties, the West 100 Acres development area, and the Spencer Aquatic Center.
“The Hometown Tours program gives us the opportunity to learn directly from communities about their housing challenges and opportunities,” said Chace Hauschilt, Development and Operations Specialist at Kading. “We were impressed by Spencer’s collaborative leadership, ongoing investment, and commitment to addressing housing needs. It was valuable to hear from community stakeholders and see firsthand the projects and opportunities that are helping shape Spencer’s future.”
Kading has a number of developments in other communities across the state including Storm Lake, Huxley, Newton, Pella and Perry. Currently under construction are developments in Knoxville, Cherokee, Nevada, Charles City and Webster City.
No project has been confirmed. Kading and SEDC remain in discussions about a potential housing development in Spencer.
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About Spencer Economic Development Corporation (SEDC)
Spencer Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) is a local economic development agency for the City of Spencer and surrounding area. The purpose of the organization is to foster, encourage, promote, assist or otherwise aid economic growth and development in the community. Learn more at SpencerEDC.com.
About Kading
Kading is a family-owned Iowa development, construction, and property management company headquartered in Urbandale, Iowa. Kading manages more than 2,700 leasable housing units across Iowa and continues to expand in communities where housing shortages impact workforce growth and economic stability.
MEDIA CONTACT
Alyssa Petersen
Coordinator of Administration & Communication
Iowa Lakes Corridor
Phone: 712-264-3474
Email: apetersen@lakescorridor.com