(Atlantic) KSOM/KS95 continues its weekly series of Vision Atlantic updates, offering listeners and readers exclusive behind-the-scenes insight into this groundbreaking effort. The housing construction portion of the project is slated to start this month. The first phase includes 48 new housing units consisting of ten tiny homes, and the rest are houses with 1,200 square feet of living space. The entire housing project includes 142 mixed housing units, a 300-capacity childcare center, and the expansion of the YMCA.
Today’s segment focuses on marketing these homes, featuring Atlantic Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bailey Smith and Vision Atlantic Committee member Jessie Shiels. Smith says they have a website, visionatlantic.org, that explains the types of homes for sale in the development and what they will look like. She says there is an interactive map that details every lot, lot size, housing locations, floor plans, and location of the child development center.
Jessie Shiels says the website is the number one marketing tool. A key piece on the website shows what life looks like in Atlantic.
Bailey Smith says the Chamber Office sees a steady stream of visitors from outside the community, and their reactions are often filled with surprise and admiration. Many are impressed by Atlantic’s vibrant downtown, the tree-lined streets, the YMCA, and Cass Health, which boasts nearly 30 specialty physicians and offers full labor and delivery services for expectant mothers.
Shiels hopes Atlantic checks all the boxes for millennials searching for a place to call home. She adds that another key factor is the desire of millennials’ retired parents to move closer to their grandchildren, which could further boost interest from potential homebuyers.
The other key component of the project, in addition to the housing development, is fundraising for the new child development center and the YMCA expansion. Smith says this effort is a significant focus of Vision Atlantic’s overall marketing campaign. A detailed pamphlet has been created outlining the full scope of the project and offering eight to ten different giving options beyond direct cash donations. Currently, Vision Atlantic has reached 60% of its fundraising goal. To secure grant funding for both the child development center and YMCA expansion, they must get 80% by the end of the year.
