(Glenwood) Southwest Iowa Planning Council (SWIPCO), in collaboration with the City of Glenwood and Developer Ryan Sell, welcomed Iowa Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg for a tour of the 712 Lofts development. This visit allowed officials to showcase the ongoing revitalization efforts in downtown Glenwood.
Lieutenant Governor Gregg, during his regional visit, took time to explore the 712 Lofts development, a project spearheaded by Developer Ryan Sell. The development, a conversion of the former Glen Haven Nursing Home into a collection of 3-bedroom and 1-bedroom apartments, is a testament to the community’s resilience following the 2019 Missouri River Floods. Partially funded by Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Disaster Recovery Housing funds administered by SWIPCO, the project symbolizes hope and progress for Glenwood.
Ryan Sell, reflecting on the project’s challenges and aspirations, expressed his commitment to providing unique housing options for Glenwood residents. “We aimed to fill a void in the community by offering distinctive living spaces, including three-bedroom, two-bath units,” Sell remarked.
Upon completion, the 712 Lofts development will feature 27 units, including a renovated small house on-site. Sell acknowledged the learning curve and the collaborative support from SWIPCO and the Iowa Economic Development Authority, highlighting the project’s significance for the community’s growth.
Lieutenant Governor Gregg commended the project as a catalyst for attracting families and fostering community growth. “Projects like this have the potential to rejuvenate towns and draw in new generations,” he remarked.
In addition to the housing development, Glenwood City Administrator Amber Farnan discussed upcoming revitalization efforts supported by a CDBG Downtown Revitalization grant. The initiative will commence this summer and will enhance eight buildings around the Glenwood town square, with approximately $960,000 in funding.
Farnan also provided insights into the city’s fiber project, which, in collaboration with Western Iowa Networks, aims to provide fiber internet service citywide. The project, supported by American Rescue Plan Act funds, underscores Glenwood’s commitment to modern infrastructure and connectivity.
During the discussion, obstacles related to grant funding requirements and paperwork obligations were addressed, with Lieutenant Governor Gregg empathizing with the challenges. He emphasized the importance of infrastructure in sustaining community growth and attracting businesses, noting the significance of robust water systems.
Glenwood officials expressed gratitude for the funding opportunities and affirmed their dedication to leveraging resources for impactful projects that benefit the community.
Photo (L-R): SWIPCO Communications Coordinator Chris Parks, Brock Sell, DeShawne Bird-Sell, Developer Ryan Sell, SWIPCO Disaster Recovery Coordinator Ashley Hayes, Lt. Governor Adam Gregg, Glenwood Mayor Angie Winquist, Glenwood City Administrator Amber Farnan, Mills County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jennie Davis, SWIPCO Community Development Specialist Tammy DeBord.
