Daviess County Plans $11 Million Housing Project

Daviess Co.- There could be more housing coming to Daviess County.

A proposed $11 million housing development and additional projects set before the Plan Commission of the City of Washington May 11 “reflect a robust strategic trend emerging for new housing developments in Daviess County,” said Bryant Niehoff, executive director of the Daviess County Economic Development Corporation.

A proposed plan for an 11-acre development presented by Kerstiens Development Inc. at the Plan Commission meeting includes the possible construction of a variety of new single-family homes, condominiums, and market rate apartments. This proposed Kerstiens development follows on a $14.5 million project by Simplified Developments LLC to build more than 140 new apartment units on the east side of the city of Washington.

The proposed Kerstiens Development Inc. project will also be located on the east side of Washington, near the I-69 interchange and across from the new True Rx office facility, according to Ruger Kerstiens, vice president of Kerstiens Development Inc., a family-owned business based in Dubois County.

Kerstiens presented initial concepts and plans to the Plan Commission, noting that the final number of apartments, condominiums, and homes to be built will be finalized after the company receives initial approval of a rezoning request. The single-family homes with lots will likely sell in the $225,000-$275,000 range, although no specifics, including the final number of homes, number of bedrooms and square footage, have yet been completed.

“The active projects being considered by Kerstiens Development, RJ Community Builders, J&L Home Center, Reinbrecht Homes and others on the Washington Plan Commission agenda clearly represent a positive trend in developer interest in building market rate apartments and new homes,” said Niehoff. “As confirmed in the ROI Indiana Uplands housing study, the development of new housing projects like this are critical to help attract a high-quality workforce to augment our solid foundation of major established and growing businesses in Daviess County.”

“Like Dubois County, Daviess County represents a very strong job market,” said Kerstiens. “Daviess County is truly set up for growth and we see great opportunities to be part of Washington’s strong future.”

“I’m personally excited and encouraged to see solid interest in housing growth from proven firms like Kerstiens Development,” said Mayor David Rhoads of Washington. “These plans fit strategically with our positive needs to continue attracting both new businesses and the additional workforce to support those businesses, as well as helping our current companies in the city and region.”

“The leadership of the City of Washington and Daviess County has been great to work with on the development that we are proposing,” said Kerstiens. “They’ve been very positive and accommodating throughout the process so far.”

Additional details for the proposed Kerstiens project are expected to be released as plans are finalized. Kerstiens professionals will continue to work with city officials and the Daviess County Economic Corporation to advance the project.