Low-income housing units coming soon to Ames, near the Iowa State University campus

A goal that stretched more than five years is headed toward reality as the city of Ames prepares to build nearly 40 low-income housing units near the Iowa State University campus.

The city is partnering with Hatch Kiernan Galloway Development Group to build six apartment buildings at 3216 Tripp St., in the Baker subdivision. What will become Townhomes at Creekside will include 38 units of low-income, affordable multi-family housing.

The proposed $13 million development is designed for households earning less than 50% of the area median income.

The city is contributing $2.1 million in HOME funds toward the project.

The Ames City Council approved major site development plans for Townhomes at Creekside last Tuesday. Justin Moore with the Ames Planning Department said the development is the culmination of a longtime council goal to provide for quality affordable housing on a multi-family scale in the Baker Subdivision.

"This has been something the city council had a goal of for a few years now, and the specific site plan itself we've been developing for the past eight months," Moore said. "It's the culmination of a few years of work, neighborhood outreach and selection process (for Hatch). This is really neat to see come to fruition; we're all pretty excited."

Hatch's goal is to start construction for Townhomes at Creekside by May 15, 2024. The projected move-in date for the 38 units is June 1, 2025.

More: Low-income housing and a Boys & Girls Club expansion: Highlights from the Ames City Council.

What can be expected from the units?

Each group of units would be two stories tall and range from two to four bedrooms, with most being three- and four-bedroom units.

Rent for two-bedroom units will be $675; rent for three-bedroom units will be $815; and four-bedroom units will cost $895.

Michael Kierkan, president and partner at Hatch Kiernan Galloway Development Group, believes the newly constructed housing will be appealing to Ames residents because its prices are below current market housing in Ames.

"The city of Ames has needed affordable housing," Kierkan said. "When we talk about affordable housing, it should really be entitled 'workforce housing.' Many of the folks that are seeking that housing have up to three jobs and are just trying to find the housing stock they need to continue in the workforce."

City of Ames introduces pilot program

A sustainable housing effort may make Townhomes at Creekside the first of its kind across the state. Geothermal wells will be installed in a pilot program to provide heating and cooling for the apartments.

According to Ames Electric Services Director Donald Kom, heating and cooling are traditionally done with air conditioners and natural gas fire furnaces. Geothermal wells tap into the natural geothermal energy beneath the surface of the earth, essentially using the earth itself to heat or cool a home.

"If you want to heat your home, you're extracting heat out of the ground and putting it into the home; if you want to cool your home, you're taking the warm air and putting it into the ground, cooling it and bringing it back," Kom said. "It's a simple exchange of heating and cooling from the ground to your home or business."

Geothermal wells are extremely efficient but expensive to install, Kom said, costing $20,000 to $40,000. He said the city will pay for the upfront cost to give affordable housing renters an opportunity to have low heating and cooling bills.

It is the first time public geothermal wells will be put in for a private development, as far as the city of Ames and Hatch are aware of.

More: Ames council commits nearly $1 million in grant funds for homebuyer and rental assistance

Ames leads sustainable housing efforts

The geothermal wells installation is a continuation of the work the city of Ames had done throughout the Baker subdivision, Ames Energy Services Coordinator Joel Zook said. These wells have already been installed for the 26 individual single-family home lots in the development.

Besides being a lower cost source of energy, Zook said geothermal wells vastly decrease carbon emissions.

"They are providing heating and cooling in a far more efficient way than you can with electricity alone," Zook said. "As we move to a cleaner and greener electric grid and production, we'll be able to clean up those homes. Emissions are much lower with geothermal than with any other means."

The installation of geothermal wells may contribute to Ames' Climate Action Plan, which strives for an 83% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050.

"The city of Ames is leading the effort for sustainable housing development and setting the example for what you can do as a city to reduce your carbon footprint in construction and housing," Kierknan said. "It shows cities what can be done to promote sustainability."

More: City officials alter wetland regulations in Ames, focuses on preservation

Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at CBrocker@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Townhomes at Creekside affordable housing approved by Ames