Phase IV primed at Baxter’s Westfield Horizons housing development

While work is already underway, a ground breaking ceremony for Phase IV of Westfield Horizons housing development in Baxter July 31 made the addition official. Adding 13 lots to the already popular development, Phase IV is sure to fill up with unique homes in no time.

“All of the lots are sold from Phase I, II and III,” marketing coordinator for the Baxter Economic Development Corporation Cindy Brunner said. “Our school is growing, our community is growing and we think we will be able to build some more expediently.”

Dirt work started in the area a few days before, leveling out the future lots. TIF funds (tax increment financing) is provided by the city to help complete the infrastructure work with construction set to be completed by November.

“On this phase, the city approved up to $300,000 (in TIF funding),” BEDCO Vice President Jon Northrup said.

No one builder is positioned to construct the homes in the development and the homes already constructed in the first three phases each have their own individual look bringing a good variety to the development.

“We’ve probably have half a dozen different builders,” Northrup said. “There aren’t any houses that are the same.”

Lot prices have not been set for the new phase, but the previous lots were set in the $25,000 to $30,000 range making them affordable to anyone looking to move in. There is also a square footage requirement for the properties.

Those responsible for making the project happen include general contractor the Alliance Construction Group, civil engineer services from Snyder & Associates, Inc. and State Savings Bank

“We are staying local with everything we can,” Brunner said.

The development originally started in 2000 with 18 lots. Phase II came along three years later with an additional 22 lots with Phase three adding seven new lots in 2017. To date, every lot in the first three phases is sold.

“As a long-time resident of Baxter and directly involved in the real estate market for the past several years, I cannot think of a time when the housing market in the community, both existing and new construction, has been stronger and the Westfield Horizons area is at the heart of that vitality,” Baxter Real Estate agent Neil Seales said. “Westfield Horizons has provided that exciting opportunity for growth and development. The past four to five years, Westfield Horizons has seen the most new housing starts than perhaps in any similar time period in Baxter’s past. With the current new housing activity, Westfield Horizons Phase IV project, and Baxter Community School construction and modernization project currently underway, it is an exciting time to be in Baxter.”

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com