NEBRASKA CITY – The Nebraska City Housing and Community Development Agency approved the purchase of a lot in its housing project setting the timeline for completion of the first privately-constructed house within 15 months.

The city broke ground on the Kreifels Hills Subdivision in October of 2023 hoping to spark the city’s population to exceed its peak in 1890 and end a century of population stagnation.

A recent housing study shows that half of Nebraska City’s current housing stock is rated at low to poor condition and 60 of the city’s 1,036 houses are experiencing overcrowding.

Nebraska City used ARPA funds to purchase the property and increased the utility franchise fee to help raise the $2 million needed to build streets, storm sewer and other infrastructure on 27 acres with 24 lots.

Nanninga Construction bought a lot to build a home along the east side of Morgan Drive. Under the city’s timeline for the housing project, work must begin within 90 days and be complete in 15 months.

The city is building a workforce home on Lot 9 and Nebraska City Area EDC is building a home on lot 20.

The price of $40,000 was approved based on square footage of the lot.