Hastings seeing housing options increase with current, future developments

HASTINGS, Neb. – Housing developments of all varieties are on the rise in Hastings.

"The more housing stock we have, it's easier for people to have that choice instead of people picking something they're not comfortable with." said Hastings Development Services Director Kevin Kubo.

After the recent ribbon cutting and opening of the brand new Theatre District Flats with 56 units, development officials are touting the expansion of the Hastings community that is continuing to grow with more new housing on the way.

Kubo says one benefit for residents will be more housing options which haven’t been as plentiful in years past.

"We have felt the pressure of the lack of choices for housing in Hastings, but the investment in multiple types of housing is increasing in Hastings." said Kubo. 

The city is in progress assisting the development and construction of the Elm 26 apartment complex with 132 living units, and other single-family homes across the city.

Other current and future developments include a 56-unit complex in Cedar Park on the southeast side of Hastings, and single family homes just south of the Elm 26 complex, near the Lakeview neighborhood, and north of the Lochland neighborhood. 

Kubo says while these projects are needed right now, the city wants to start developing a different style of housing in the near future.

"We're trying to find areas we can do 'four-plexes' and 'eight-plexes.' "More affordable, or the 'missing middle' as the state wants to call it." said Kubo. "A single family that's just starting out can't afford a $400,000 house. We're trying to find something in that $100,000-$200,000 range that they can afford to be their first time home buyers."

The Development Services Department is working closely with other Hastings companies and builders currently constructing other housing in the area, and Kubo wants anyone with development questions to know he’s available to talk with anytime day or night. 

The Hastings Development Services Department office can be reached at (402) 461-2302.