'Elm 26' housing development project breaks ground in Hastings

HASTINGS, Neb. – Just under four months after final approval, work to construct hundreds of housing units in Hastings is underway. 

On Tuesday morning, developers and community members broke ground on the 'Elm 26' housing development project southwest of the intersection at E. 26th St. and N. Elm Ave. 

The developer, Grand Island-based Innate Concepts, had its building plans approved by the Hastings City Council in July, and will now begin construction this week. 

"Whenever something's not easy, it's more exciting to get it done," said Innate Concepts President Scott Rief. "Once everyone was educated on what we were doing, it was approved, and it's going to be a great addition to the city of Hastings."

The construction area of land spans 14 acres, and will be developed in three phases. 

The first phase that is now underway will build six apartment buildings with 22 units each, totaling 132 one and two bedroom living spaces. 

"We have apartments in Grand Island, and we have quite a few Hastings residents that live with us currently that are working in Hastings," said Rief. "It would be great to get them to start living in Hastings and start supporting the local economy."

Rief says construction crews are expected to start moving dirt this week, and framers will start laying supports for the buildings at the start of next year.

Phase one and the completions of the first units are expected to open in summer of 2025.