WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – Origin Homes, a rural custom homebuilder based in West Des Moines, has been awarded Workforce Housing Tax Credits (WFHTC) through the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) for housing projects in Webster City, Knoxville, Panora and Conrad, continuing the single-family homebuilder’s mission to increase attainable homeownership opportunities in rural Iowa communities.
The awards support Origin Homes’ Rural Housing Initiative, a program launched in 2023 to address housing shortages in smaller communities by delivering single-family homes in partnership with local leaders, employers and economic development organizations. Over the past three years, the initiative has resulted in 38 homes across six Iowa communities, with the majority sold, closed or under contract.
“The Workforce Housing Tax Credit program has been a powerful tool in helping us bring new housing inventory to communities that need it most,” said Matt Daniels, Director of Operations for Origin Homes. “Many rural communities struggle with a lack of available housing, which impacts workforce recruitment, retention and long-term economic growth. By partnering with local leaders and leveraging these programs, we’re helping create housing options that keep families, professionals and employers invested in these communities.”
While Origin Homes specializes primarily in custom homebuilding, the team also works closely with communities to identify opportunities for attainable new construction. Through the Rural Housing Initiative, the company evaluates local housing readiness, market demand, workforce needs and community partnerships before investing in new developments. To date, Origin has spoken with over 60 communities interested in the initiative.
Since 2023, Origin Homes has completed workforce housing projects in Knoxville, Manning, Gowrie, Jefferson, Conrad and Panora, creating new housing inventory in markets that often see limited residential development.
The Workforce Housing Tax Credits program provides tax incentives for qualifying multifamily and single-family housing projects in communities with workforce housing needs, helping developers bring new housing inventory to market while encouraging economic growth. Eligible projects may receive state investment tax credits and sales tax refunds tied to residential development costs. Read the full release here.
About This Year’s Communities
Webster City: Preparing for Future Growth
Origin Homes will enter the Webster City market for the first time with plans to construct three ranch-style homes in the Brewer Creek Estates development, located just north of Highway 20.
The homes will feature a minimum of 1,500 square feet, two- and three-car garages, finished or unfinished basement options and oversized lots that connect to established neighborhoods. The project aligns with Webster City’s efforts to support anticipated growth, driven in part by the city’s recently certified Gateway Industrial Park and expanding employment opportunities.
“As one of Webster City’s major employers, Van Diest Supply Company understands firsthand the importance of housing availability in attracting and retaining a quality workforce. Housing has become one of the most significant challenges facing employers across Iowa, and Webster City is no exception. Projects like this also send a positive message to employers and prospective residents that Webster City is committed to growth and investment in its future,” wrote Jake Van Diest, President of Van Diest Supply Company in a letter of support for the homes.
Knoxville: Continuing Success at Veterans District
Origin Homes has already completed 15 homes through three previous phases of workforce housing development in Knoxville and will now move forward with another 5-home phase within the popular Veterans District neighborhood, which is sold out of the first phase 34 lots.
Located on the former grounds of the Veterans Hospital, the Veterans District has emerged as one of Knoxville’s premier locations for new construction. Origin’s homes in the community have been particularly successful, with approximately 70% of homes pre-sold and strong buyer demand driven by proximity to schools, parks, recreation amenities and major employers including Hormel, 3M and Weiler.
“Beyond the numbers, Origin Homes’ presence has helped catalyze growth in our community. Their investment is directly supporting increased property tax revenues, encouraging additional development, and helping to attract and retain residents who contribute to our local workforce and economy,” said Knoxville Mayor Brian Hatch.
The new phase will include five additional homes designed to address the “missing middle” housing price point identified in Knoxville’s housing readiness assessments. Origin Homes was also awarded HousingIowa’s Single-Family Housing Development Award at the 2026 HousingIowa Conference earlier today, September 9, 202 for their forward-thinking work in the community.
Upon completion of this phase, Origin Homes will have delivered 20 workforce housing homes in Knoxville over four years.
Panora: Expanding Dream Acres
In Panora, Origin Homes will build three additional single-family homes in Dream Acres, a public-private housing development created through a partnership among Panora Fiber, the City of Panora and Panorama Schools.
Origin previously completed five homes in the neighborhood, with four out of five homes selling prior to completion. The neighborhood offers convenient access to Panorama Schools, Little Panther Daycare, local healthcare providers, recreation amenities at Lake Panorama, shopping and employment centers.
“Housing availability remains one of the greatest challenges facing rural communities,” said Brenda Dudley, Executive Director of Midwest Partnerships. “This is a testament to their (Origin) commitment to rural Iowa and will build upon their success in Panora.”
Conrad: Building on Phase One Momentum
Origin Homes will return to Conrad with plans to construct three additional ranch-style homes, following the success of five homes completed in the community during the previous phase. The development represented a significant boost for Conrad’s housing market, which had seen limited new residential construction and low resale inventory in recent years.
Located across from the BCLUW School District, the new homes will continue the successful formula of modern, move-in-ready ranch homes featuring two- and three-car garages, contemporary finishes and a mix of farmhouse, traditional and modern exterior styles.
“Additional housing and families in Conrad have an obvious benefit to our school system, which has been dealing with the impact of declining enrollment in recent years. More homes and families in Conrad should also have a beneficial cultural and economic development impact in our area. The additional homes will help sustain housing momentum in the community while providing more opportunities for families seeking newly constructed housing in Grundy County,” said Ben Petty, Superintendent of BCLUW Community School District.
Growing Iowa One Community at a Time
As Origin Homes enters its fourth year of the Rural Housing Initiative, the company continues to focus on partnerships that create long-term housing solutions for Iowa communities.
“Every community is different, but the challenge is often the same: there simply aren’t enough homes available for the people who want to live and work there,” Daniels said. “These projects help create new opportunities for families, support local employers and trade partners and strengthen the long-term vitality of rural Iowa.”
Origin Homes strives to work with local trade partners and vendors in each community, in the rural housing initiative, building up a local trade network that supports the aging trade population.
