CREW Subdivision Welcomes Six New Homes

Six new homes will soon be available to purchase in the new CREW subdivision in east Holdrege.

The new homes are part of Phelps County Development Corporation’s efforts to create additional workforce housing in the county.

“We are excited to work with Heritage Homes to bring these quality homes to Phelps County,” PCDC Executive Director Ron Tillery said. “This project is one small step in helping to solve our housing shortage.”

A recent housing study showed that 83 new owner-occupied homes are needed in the next five years.
Heritage Homes started construction on the six Holdrege homes in January 2023 in the company’s factory in Wayne. This spring, crews in Holdrege dug basements and prepped the sites. The homes started arriving in Holdrege in April and are scheduled to be set on their foundations the week of May 1, weather permitting.

A ribbon-cutting and open house is scheduled for Thursday, May 25, at 1006 East 10th St. to showcase the progress of the homes.

The company specializes in designing and building custom homes for clients across the Midwest. They build homes inside their climate-controlled factory in Wayne and deliver them in modules to be placed on basements or foundations at the home site.

“Since Heritage first opened our doors, the goal was to efficiently build quality-constructed homes across several states using local builders and subcontractors while creating job opportunities for those in our own growing community,” according to the company’s website. “We are excited about the opportunity to work with the Holdrege community and Phelps County, who share that same mindset.”

PCDC connected with Heritage Homes as it was seeking developers to create housing in CREW. PCDC helped the community win a workforce housing grant to develop the new subdivision.

Kevin Smith, owner of Blacksmith Builders in Holdrege, is serving as the general contractor for the project. Smith, who worked for Heritage Homes in the past, hired local subcontractors to dig the basements, pour the basement foundations and complete the on-site electrical and plumbing work while the homes were being constructed in Wayne.

The Holdrege Heritage Homes are single-family homes with an open-concept floor plan. They are 1,164 square feet on the main level and have two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a utility room, and a two-car attached garage. The homes feature master suites with large walk-in closets. They also include an unfinished basement, which will be set up for two additional bedrooms, a third bathroom and a family room.

Smith said Heritage Homes are known for being quality, energy-efficient homes.

Broch Muhs of Heritage Homes said the goal is to have some of the homes available for occupancy by July 1 and all of them ready by August 1. The exact price is not yet determined but should be between $315,00-$325,000, Muhs said. The final prices will be known at the open house on May 25.

Muhs said Heritage Homes plans to start buiding on seven more lots in the subdivision once the first six homes are sold.

While Heritage Homes is primarily a custom home builder, Muhs said they do understand the need for affordable housing and is seeking strategic partnerships to help benefit towns and homeowners. They are doing a similar project in Gothenburg.

Tillery said he hopes the homes will encourage some of the more than 2,200 employees who commute in to work in Holdrege each day to become full-time residents.

For more information about Heritage Homes’ Holdrege project or to inquire about purchasing, visit https://heritagehomesofne.com/new_construction_holdrege/