Frontier Development Group outlines 44-unit workforce housing project in Manhattan

A significant housing initiative took center stage at the Riley County Commission meeting on June 9, 2025, as Frontier Development Group presented plans for the Manhattan Info Housing project. This ambitious endeavor aims to deliver 44 new homes in Manhattan, with a focus on workforce housing.

The project will consist of 40 workforce housing units and 4 market-rate homes, representing a substantial investment of over $15 million. Frontier Development Group emphasized their commitment to using local contractors and suppliers, ensuring that the economic benefits of the project remain within the community.

The housing units will be built on three infill sites, all located in Manhattan and served by existing infrastructure. This approach not only maximizes the use of underutilized land but also minimizes additional costs associated with new infrastructure development. The project is expected to create approximately 12 to 16 construction jobs and generate significant tax revenue for the city and county.

A key component of the project is the request for a Rural Housing Incentive District (RHID), which would allow the developers to recoup $1.95 million over a 15-year period through property taxes generated by the new homes. This funding mechanism is designed to bridge the gap between construction costs and market prices, making the homes more affordable for potential buyers.

Despite concerns raised by some commissioners regarding the long-term implications of tax exemptions for the new residents, the developers argued that the project would ultimately benefit the community by transforming previously undeveloped land into taxable properties. They highlighted that the lots in question had generated minimal tax revenue over the past 37 years and that the new development would significantly increase property tax contributions.

The project has garnered support from various local entities, including the Manhattan City Commission and the school district, which voted in favor of the RHID proposal. As the meeting concluded, the developers expressed optimism about advancing the project, which they believe will address the pressing housing needs in Manhattan and contribute to the local economy.