(Waukee, IA) -- Iowa's fastest-growing city had another record year for building in 2020. Waukee issued 1,489 building permits last year. The valuation of the permits surpassed $245 million. More than 400 of the permits were for single-family homes. More than 200 of the permits were for townhomes and 19 were for commercial properties. Other permits were issue for additions, alterations, and decks.
“We’ve watched this pace of development in awe and a bit astonished that even in a year as uncertain and filled with challenges as 2020, interest and investment in Waukee did not wane,” said Waukee Mayor Courtney Clarke. “We are thrilled with these economic successes. Even more importantly, City leaders look forward to life eventually returning to ‘normal’ as we continue our work to preserve strong community bonds and quality of life in Waukee.”
Waukee saw its highest single-family housing growth in history in 2020. The 2020 single-family permit valuations totaled $116.6 million, which accounts for more than double last year’s total of $56.7 million.
“Through effective planning and infrastructure investments, the City is able to work with local developers and builders who in turn provide a variety of housing types and price points, which is key to this level of success,” said Waukee Development Services Director Brad Deets. “The City Council has created flexibility within its development process, allowing builders to meet the current market demand. The City also continues to create new amenities with parks, open spaces and trails, making Waukee an appealing choice for new residents.”
Commercial growth also remained strong in 2020. Some 2020 projects of note include:
·Kettleview Development - Encompass Building
·Kinship Brewing Company
·Prairie Crossing Development – RE/MAX Concepts and Lena Nails Lashes Brows
·Waukee Marketplace – UnityPoint Express, Stiletto Nails & Lashes and Buff City Soap
·Elite Eye Care
·Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh/Smokey Row Coffee
·Old Station Craft Meats
·Paragon Performance
·Kindercare
Construction is expected to start in 2021 on these City of Waukee projects:
·NW 2ndStreet/NW Sunrise Drive Phase 2B
·NW Douglas Parkway Phases 2A & 2B
·Westward extension of Douglas Parkway to Warrior Lane
·Grand Prairie Parkway and SE Ashworth Road intersection improvements
·Ashworth Road and Ute Avenue intersection improvements
·Warrior Lane Improvements Phase 1
·SE Laurel Street expansion
·Final stages of Waukee Public Library stormwater improvements
·Triumph Park
In May 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau named Waukee the fastest-growing (large) city in Iowa, based on population growth since 2010. Waukee now has an estimated population of 24,089. City officials project that Waukee’s population could reach 35,000 by the year 2030.