State, Locals Celebrate Grand Opening of New Charles City Affordable Housing Units

State and local officials celebrated grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremonies Wednesday (07.15) for Charles City’s newest affordable housing units.

Commonwealth Development of Wisconsin led the project now known as The Collective on 13th, a $12 million housing community, available to those making 30-40-60-80% of the area median income, with residents eligible under Section 42 Housing, according to Mayor Dean Andrews.

Tim Fox, with the Charles City Area Development Corporation, notes that the housing project was four years in the making.

Things took off after Charles City was named a Thriving Community in 2024 by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA), represented Tuesday by Berndadette Beck.

Commonwealth says the 40-home community offers one-to-three-bedroom apartments, plus clubhouse, fitness center, and leasing office. It’s managed by Indigo Living, a West Des Moines-based property management company, which says about half of the units have been rented or spoken for.

Meanwhile, across the street, Kading Properties of Urbandale is developing market rate housing and is expected to build units for around 130 households, with a target to open in Summer 2027. 

Fox says Kading will hold a ribbon cutting next Monday at 9 AM.