(Atlantic) Site preparation continues for the Vision Atlantic initiative—a $75 million transformative project that includes new housing, a YMCA expansion, and a childcare development center.
Today, KSOM/KS95 News continues our series offering listeners and readers exclusive behind-the-scenes insight into this groundbreaking effort. We’ll speak with the key leaders driving the project forward.
Our first installment featured Vision Atlantic President Christina Bateman and Vice President Nick Hunt, outlining the initiative’s overall scope and the project’s purpose. Last week, Bateman and Atlantic Executive Chamber Director Bailey Smith presented information on the project’s funding and the Lakin Foundation. Today, Vision Atlantic President Christina Bateman, Secretary Melissa Ihnen, and Treasurer Debbie Waterbury discuss the project’s housing portion.
Bateman outlines a four-year plan to transform the 49-acre property into a community of 142 mixed housing units. This year’s development will prioritize 17 cottages, each featuring 1,200 square feet on the main level, a two-car garage, and an unfinished basement. In addition, seven custom homes are planned, ranging from 1,800 to 1,900 square feet, with three-car garages and unfinished basements. The project also includes 14 duplex units with one shared wall, designed similarly to condominiums in the Atlantic area. Another key component is the construction of 10 tiny homes by Vision Atlantic. These will be used as short-term rentals through Airbnb, providing flexible lodging for traveling nurses or professionals in similar roles. Vision Atlantic will handle the construction and sale of the remaining homes, targeting both current residents and those looking to relocate to the community. Bateman notes that some lots will be available for purchase for those who wish to build their own homes.
Melissa Ihnen, Secretary of Vision Atlantic and a local realtor, recalls that in her early years, there were typically about a sheet and a half of listings—roughly 75 homes for sale in and around Atlantic at any given time. She adds that in earlier years, the listings were even more extensive.
During covid the listings shrunk to seven to ten if they were lucky explained Ihnen. She says the listings have steadily gone up. Debbie Waterbury says as of Tuesday morning 32 homes were for sale without offers.
Ihnen points out that many workers commute to Atlantic, noting that approximately 60 percent of hospital employees live outside the city—and a significant portion of them reside outside of Cass County altogether.
Ihnen notes that employers considering establishing operations in Atlantic often evaluate the availability of local housing as part of their decision-making process.
Waterbury is currently helping a young family with children relocate to Atlantic from California, and the family is also encouraging their parents to make the move as well. Additionally, Ihnen points out that many residents now work from home. She says current Atlantic residents may be looking to upgrade to newer homes—potentially freeing up homes for others entering the market.
Bateman adds that the new housing development will feature a park, a brand-new daycare facility with a 300-child capacity, and walking and biking trails throughout the neighborhood that will connect with existing trails and parks across the city.
Next week will focus on the new state of the art daycare facility.
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The entire interview with Christina Bateman, Melissa Ihnen, and Debbie Waterbury is posted below.
