“We want to create homes that people love in communities where they love to live.”
In a sign of changing times and the ‘new normal’, the permit for The Emory – a new residential development by Haverkamp Properties – was approved during a recent, rather unconventional Altoona City Council meeting.
Not in-person, but digitally.
Council members and staff called into the virtual conference from kitchens, living rooms and personal offices—during the time they would usually meet at Altoona’s Civic Service Center.
Brent Haverkamp, founder and owner of Haverkamp Properties, says this kind of commitment and creative leadership is one of the reasons he enjoys doing business in Altoona.
“Even during these challenging times, they (the Altoona City Council) didn’t say, ‘We can’t do this.’ They found a way to get it done.”
A Growing Opportunity
Haverkamp Properties is a residential development and property management company. They have projects across Iowa—with many of their recent developments concentrated in the Des Moines metro. Haverkamp has invested in Iowa communities for nearly 30 years, focusing on three markets: students, seniors and conventional-housing residents.
All told, Haverkamp provides housing for approximately 7,000 Iowans.
In 2014, Haverkamp broke ground on their first Altoona development: Ironwood Apartments, a complex near 1st Ave and 24th St SE.
At the time, Altoona was growing—and the growth has only accelerated. Since 2014, new attractions and employers, such as the Outlets of Des Moines, have continued to draw more residents.
As Haverkamp continued to cultivate its portfolio in the Des Moines metro, the company saw the success of its first Altoona property – along with the steady growth of the community – and decided to invest in a second.
Not to Pick Favorites, But…
“We have complexes all over the state of Iowa. To be honest, Altoona is one of my favorites,” Brent says. “It’s been very popular with tenants, and the city staff has been great to work with. When we heard of some of the new things going on in Altoona – from the new Amazon distribution warehouse just north, to all the retail additions – we knew we wanted to expand.
“Our tagline is, ‘We want to create communities where you love to live.’ Once again, we see the opportunity to do that in Altoona.”
‘Home’ in the New Normal
In the wake of COVID-19, Brent says that potential residents want the same things they’ve always wanted: a good community, strong schools, fun local businesses, and nearby career opportunities.
Where we live has always mattered. But now, as people work remotely and practice social distancing – and host City Council meetings from their living rooms – the place we call ‘home’ is more important than ever.
“More than any time in history, where people live is really important—because they’re spending a lot more time there,” Brent says. “We want to create places where people want to be. That includes everything from little design touches to big public amenities. Pools, clubhouses, and all the businesses in the surrounding community—some of these places aren’t open now, but they will be.”
An Investment in the Near Future
While many businesses across the nation have temporarily shuttered their doors, development continues in Altoona. That includes The Emory, a $35 million investment.
For Brent and his company, The Emory is more than a ‘typical’ development. It’s part of a long-term vision for life in the near future. It’s an investment in what comes after the crisis.
“During this time of uncertainty, we’re excited to make this investment in Altoona. An investment is a sign of hope for the future.”
Haverkamp Properties plans to open The Emory in 2021.
Developers like Haverkamp Properties are investing in Altoona, now. That’s because Iowa’s Rising Star has key advantages—like access to the interstate, development-ready land, a strong local workforce, and more than 4 million visitors annually. Join the movement.
05-18-20 Update on Video: Emory English is actually the son of the first Mayor of Altoona.