Origin Homes and city of Jefferson officials held a groundbreaking ceremony June 30 at the site of one of three houses Origin is building in Jefferson in the coming months. All three houses are on in-fill lots, lots from with older homes have been removed. Two of the homes are in the 500 block of N. Vine St. The third is in the 600 block of W. Lincoln Way.
Matt Wetrich, Jefferson city councilman and director of Jefferson Matters, called the project “another great example of partnerships,” with the city, Iowa Economic Development Authority, and Origin Homes involved. Tri-County Lumber of Jefferson is also part of the project. “We appreciate Origin Homes wanting to take a chance on small communities,” he continued.
Matt Daniels, director of operations for Origin Homes, said the company is now in 18 Iowa counties. “We’re excited to build more attainable housing as part of our rural initiative,” he said.
Mayor pro tem Darren Jackson noted that it was Jefferson’s designation as an Iowa Thriving Community in 2024 that put the city on Origin’s radar. That designation provides federal tax credits to companies that develop affordable housing. Wetrich gave credit to city administrator Scott Peterson for attaining the designation. The homes will range from 1,300 – 1,450 square feet, with garages and basements. Completion will be mid- to late fall. Cost will be approximately $300,000 each.
