A roughly $9-million senior housing complex proposed for downtown Keokuk has cleared a significant hurdle.
The Miller-Valentine Group out of Cincinnati, Ohio wants to build on a vacant piece of land along Main Street. Its research shows a strong need for senior housing, given Keokuk's aging population.
The project, in its original form, did not comply with the requirements for building in downtown Keokuk, according to Community Development Director Pam Broomhall.
"There was not even (a) sense of (the company) going forward with the application (for state funding) if they were not going to be able to use the site that they chose," she said.
That is no longer an issue because the Keokuk Board of Adjustment granted the project three variances from city code:
- Complex can have 45 units (living space requirements allow for 32)
- Complex can have ground-level apartments (prohibited in downtown Keokuk)
- Complex can be built along sidewalk (25' front yard set-back on books)
The development firm has said construction would not get underway until funding is secured. It is applying for money from the Iowa Finance Authority.
The IFA requires a financial commitment from the city. The Miller-Valentine Group is seeking a 12-year tax abatement on improvements to the property.
The city council has yet to decide on the incentive.
