(Atlantic) Recently, Vision Atlantic identified three areas that will help increase Atlantic’s population: expanded childcare, quality housing, and quality of life amenities. With substantial monetary support from the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and local donors, $16.3 million has been raised over 50% of a $30 million goal in the past six months.
Christina Bateman is the president of Vision Atlantic made this comment about the extensive project.
According to the press release, the first piece of the project is access to childcare. The Ann W. Wickman Child Development Center (CDC) is currently at capacity with a waiting list of 60+ children. On top of that, home childcare providers are retiring, further adding to the shortage of childcare spots. Vision Atlantic is alleviating this burden by constructing a $11.5 million new childcare facility that serves up to 300 children. The center will sit near 18th and Olive Street, adjacent to the new Camblin Hills Housing Development.
The center will provide care for infants to five-year-olds, with the age range of children in rooms being further broken down to provide quality care. Dedicated rooms will have STEAM activities, dramatic play, and other educational activities. Due to a larger building, a dedicated room will be added for ill children to receive care and be kept separate until a caregiver can pick them up. An enhanced playground will be added to the property to allow a space for children of all abilities to play. Jack & Jill Preschool, currently housed at the Nishna Valley Family YMCA, will be moved to the facility.
Dianna Williams, Director of the Ann W. Wickman CDC this project will help ease the childcare shortage in Atlantic.
Officials say the second piece of the project is housing. Atlantic currently has the highest percent of the oldest housing stock amongst sister cities in Iowa. Officials say because of this, buyers cannot access new, move-in ready homes. Vision Atlantic will develop ‘Camblin Hills Housing Development’ to address this need. Named after the late Bob Camblin, co-founder of Vision Atlantic, this development will sit on the open 49 acres along Olive Street, between 17th & 22nd Street, purchased from the City of Atlantic. It will be 144 mixed units, including townhomes, duplexes, single-family homes, and lots for purchase. A park and biking/walking trail will be nestled in, offering any buyer a safe, family-friendly environment. The Charles E. Lakin Foundation is providing a substantial $23 million in housing capital, and the development will offer a total financial impact of $48 million on the Atlantic area.
Bateman says ten years ago, there were 73 houses on the market in Atlantic.
Authorities say the final piece is quality of life amenities. Atlantic’s current state-of-the-art YMCA will undergo a $16 million renovation with an addition added to the front of the facility. An outdoor community recreation and event space will allow fitness and outdoor events in all weather conditions. An indoor soft-play area will give families a safe, dynamic space for group play. 24-hour access to the expanded fitness floor will be available with key fobs for entry after hours. A children’s museum area will bring a big-city feature into the community, providing education and fun. A STEAM room and E-Sports room will be added to give youth of all ages a place to gather. Additionally, a dedicated senior social and activity space will promote fitness as individuals age and help fight social isolation among seniors. Current plans also include adding a 70-seat movie theater space to the facility: Dan Haynes, Executive Director of the Nishna Valley Family YMCA says over the past several years, extensive surveying has been done to help us determine what enhancements the YMCA could add to address health, wellness, and social connection.
Bid letting for land infrastructure will begin late this summer, with construction of all three projects slated to begin in late spring of 2025. Vision Atlantic’s Project Committee is actively working to secure the remaining $14 million needed to meet the $30 million fundraising goal. If you are interested in helping transform Atlantic, whether it’s through monetary donations or acts of volunteerism, please contact Vision Atlantic at visionatlanticiowa@gmail.com. Follow Vision Atlantic on Facebook for behind-the-scenes access to project updates.
Vision Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to empower growth, enhance lives, and build a thriving community together through the economic development of Atlantic, Iowa.
