Fairview Villas development, (City of Hastings, Courtesy)
HASTINGS — 2024 was an amazing year for development in Hastings.
That is how Chad Bunger, Development Services Director for the City of Hastings, who started in his role in June 2023, has characterized growth here.
“It was my first full year in the city in my position and I was extremely proud and blessed to be a part of some of those things,” he said of ongoing development projects. “I’m really excited about what people have done in Hastings, brought to Hastings, have grown in Hastings.”
Last year saw several completed development projects that brought new restaurants, retail businesses, and homes to Hastings. These completed projects also include the Hastings Family YMCA and the 78-unit apartment complex at the Theatre District. Construction also continues on the Heartwell Renewable bio-diesel plant.
“There’s been a bunch that went on the last couple years and I think there’s going to be a bunch coming in this year and the years coming,” Bunger said. “It’s exciting. We’ve got some really good, consistent growth.”
The growth includes both commercial and housing.
Over 700 dwelling units were approved for development in 2024. About 400 of those units are currently in the permitting process or being constructed.
“That’s a lot of growth,” Bunger said. “They’re all really good projects.”
Other large-scale housing projects underway include multiple apartment buildings in the Elm 26 residential project at Elm Avenue and 26th Street; and Fairview Villas, which includes 14 duplex buildings (28 units) at F Street and Franklin Avenue.
Bunger said it is measured growth.
“Our growth was a lot compared to what we’ve had the last several years, but it’s very manageable,” he said.
Most of the developments are within the city limits and near already existing infrastructure, such as paved streets, electric lines, water and sewer.
“It’s exciting that these projects are occurring in areas where infrastructure is present; meaning that automatically makes things just a little more affordable for everybody involved,” Bunger said.
