(Atlantic) KSOM/KS95 News continues its series on the Vision Atlantic $84 million transformative project. Today, we are visiting with Vision Atlantic President Christina Bateman and Vision Atlantic Secretary Melissa Ihnen.
Vision Atlantic received a financial boost last week towards its financial goal for the 300-capacity Child Development Center and YMCA expansion project. The 142-unit housing project is underway. Construction has started on the first phase of the project, which includes 48 units. Ihnen says that, as of the last check, two slabs have been poured, and more will follow. She says the tiny homes will start soon, as will the rest of the housing.
Ihnen says there will be 48 units built this year. There are three different condominium options. There are two-bedroom and three-bedroom units, each with a two-car garage. The condos are larger than others, and all are on one level. Ihnen says interested buyers can call their realtor of choice. She says the prices are set and will be posted on the wwwvisionatlantic.org website. The plan is to begin accepting offers within the next three weeks.
Vision Atlantic President Christina Bateman says Vision Atlantic is coming off a big fundraising week. She is grateful that the Cass County Board of Supervisors has committed $2.5 million over the next five years of economic development funds towards the child care center. Currently, the Ann Wickman Child Development Center in Atlantic serves children from up to 13 different communities.
Bateman says another entity committed another $500,000.00 signed pledge towards the project. This brings Vision Atlantic around $27 million, with $4 million to be raised to implement the Lakin Foundation’s $8.6 million grant. She says they have several significant donations that will be signed in the near future.
Bateman says they have a good path forward and plan to reach that 80 percent by the end of this year.
Construction on the Child Development Center is scheduled to begin next spring. The construction on the YMCA is tentatively set for next summer. Bateman says, “We are excited to be at this point in the process and look forward to community members being able to see many positive and new developments in the community.”
The entire interview is posted below.
