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Le Mars council approves $76,500 design contract for 7th Avenue SE housing site
Summary
The council authorized ISG to produce conceptual designs and a master land-use plan for up to 103 acres east of 7th Avenue SE, aiming to create infrastructure and covenants to encourage entry-level housing; council approved a not-to-exceed $76,500 services agreement.
The Le Mars City Council on the floor approved a professional services agreement with ISG to develop conceptual layouts and a master land-use plan for a 103-acre parcel east of 7th Avenue Southeast that the city plans to purchase from Lundy's 4 LLC. The contract was approved on a motion by Speaker 7, seconded by Speaker 1, with the council carrying the motion by voice vote.
City officials and council members said the project’s purpose is to establish infrastructure and covenants that make lots attractive to entry-level homebuilders. Speaker 9 told the council the approach is to design and phase the overall site so the city can provide streets, water and sewer where private builders otherwise would not, with the goal of offering lots priced to attract first-time buyers.
Ari Oakeshore, civil engineer with ISG, told the council the firm will evaluate the full 103 acres comprehensively and identify strategic areas for an initial phase, taking existing adjacent infrastructure into account. The administration recommended approval of the services agreement, noting the land is east of 7th Avenue SE and that the site may be designated an urban renewal area and eligible for TIF reimbursement.
Councilmembers and presenters discussed phasing (the project is expected to be developed over multiple phases rather than all at once) and the proximity of a planned new school roughly seven blocks away, which was cited as a convenience for families. No specific construction timetable beyond a hoped-for phase 1 in 2026 was finalized during the discussion.
The motion approved a not-to-exceed fee of $76,500 for ISG to provide three initial layout concepts and, after concept approval, a master land-use plan. The council’s vote followed a short presentation and a public exchange of questions about lot sizes, covenants and how to preserve affordability.
Next steps: ISG will move forward with conceptual designs and the city plans to engage additional stakeholders to refine covenants and infrastructure phasing before further council consideration.
