July 09, 2025

Council approves $1.3M grading of Arbor Estates

Development of large residential subdivision is still on track

By Christopher Braunschweig

Bruce Showalter, housing director for the Newton Housing Development Corporation (NHDC), stands near the border of Fairmeadows North and the undeveloped Arbor Estates. Developing the first plat of the 70.7-acre parcel of land was named a top priority by the Newton City Council. The council recently approved a more than $1.3 million contract to rough grade the Arbor Estates site. (Christopher Braunschweig)

Sticking to its goals and the guidelines laid out in the city’s comprehensive plan, council members on Monday night approved a more than $1.3 million contract to rough grade Arbor Estates, the site of what will become a major residential subdivision near the northeast side of town.

Newton City Council unanimously approved the $1,309,400 offer from the Des Moines-based McAninch Corporation, the apparent low bidder among a total of 10 contractors. Councilperson Evelyn George noted the “competitive” amount of bids for this particular project.

The city’s engineering firm, Bolton & Menk, initially estimated the construction would cost $1,453,000. The highest bid came from the Indianola-based VanderPool Construction Inc. for more than $1.7 million. City documents said the project will be paid for using 2020-A Bond Capital Funds.

Newton Housing Development Corporation and the City of Newton have been working extensively to increase residential subdivision development in northeast Newton. About two years ago, the city acquired the 70.7-acre Barton trust land, which is located near Fairmeadows North.

The expansive property would later be known as Arbor Estates.

Since most of the platted lots in Fairmeadows North Plat 8 have been sold and the construction of the Arbor Estates Phase 1 is nearing completion, city staff believe rough grading the remainder of the development is the next logical step.

In addition to rough grading the entire sit, McAninch Corporation will construct a stormwater detention pond, sanitary sewer main extensions past the proposed pond location, erosion control, seeding and “other related items need to prepare the site for future platting and subdivision construction.”

During the Newton City Council’s 2019-2021 goal setting session, council members voted the development of Arbor Estates as its No. 2 priority.

Councilperson Craig Trotter said, “I don’t think we felt — or anybody felt — we’d be at this point this soon on this property. So it’s exciting to think we are getting this ready and ready to sell properties and everything. Again, this is fantastic.”

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com