More New Homes Coming to CREW Subdivision

Good news is on the horizon for potential homebuyers in Holdrege.

The Phelps County Development Corporation has secured McElhinny Builders of Kearney to build 16 homes in the new CREW subdivision.

McElhinny Builders started construction on three single-family homes in the CREW subdivision in mid-May. Construction could be complete in as early as six months, depending on the weather.

“These first three homes will allow us to determine market acceptance of the homes and then proceed with more, up to a total of 16,” PCDC Executive Director Ron Tillery said.

The 1,400-square foot homes will feature three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a two-car garage. The homes will not have basements due to higher water tables in that area, but they will have storm-safe areas. Additional storage area is planned above the garages.

Buyers will have the opportunity to select finishes if they purchase homes far enough in advance, Tillery said.

The homes are expected to sell for between $225,000-$250,000, but those costs could increase due to recent increases in construction materials. The home prices cannot be more than $275,000 due to a grant received to develop CREW Subdivision for workforce housing.

McElhinny Builders has been the contractor for the duplexes and townhomes already built or under construction in CREW. McElhinny also built most of the duplexes in the Sunrise East area.

PCDC owns the 16 lots where McElhinny will build the homes. As part of PCDC’s assistance program, it will continue to own the lots until each house is sold.

“Other builders may receive the same terms if there is interest,” Tillery said. “We urge local contractors to contact PCDC for details. We are also providing a $1,000 completion bonus for each home built and sold.”

With single-family homes planned for the 16 lots, that leaves just three lots left in the CREW subdivision. Tillery said apartments or duplexes may work best on those three lots that face East Street.

Construction in the CREW subdivision started in October 2019. The subdivision is part of local efforts led by PCDC to add workforce housing to the community and will result in more than 40 new living units once completed.

PCDC helped land a $318,500 grant from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development’s rural workforce housing program and a $250,000 grant from the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority for the project. PCDC also earmarked $240,000 in LB840 sales tax funds toward the CREW.

Mesner Development has already constructed 10 duplexes (20 living units that are mostly rentals) in the subdivision and is nearing completion on three townhomes (six living units). For information on purchasing townhomes or future single-family homes in the CREW subdivision, please contact any local Realtor.