MUSCATINE, Iowa – The city’s efforts to develop much-needed housing for its residents got a significant boost with HNI Corporation’s donation of several parcels of land encompassing nearly 30 acres to this city.
That gift from Muscatine’s largest employer will provide city leaders with strategically located land to use for future residential development. It is expected to be designed to help address community growth, housing needs, and neighborhood revitalization, the city said in a Monday, Oct. 20, news release.
Muscatine Mayor Brad Bark told the QCBJ on Tuesday, Oct. 21, that the nearly 30 acres HNI is donating is about a half mile south of the Menards store off University Drive. The site is close to HNI’s operations off of U.S. Highway 61. That area is formerly known as the Allsteel Factory.
Dr. Bark, who also is president and CEO of the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the cost of redeveloping the land is unknown. But he said the demand for more housing in his city is longstanding.
“The need was recognized several years ago, which is when the city began conversations with community stakeholders – including HNI,” he said. “However, the momentum increased earlier this year when the city initiated formal conversations with HNI specifically regarding the land on University Drive.”
Other city leaders and HNI representatives expressed excitement over the collaboration and its potential benefits.
“HNI Corporation has long been a committed partner in the Muscatine community,” City Administrator Matt Mardesen said in the city release. “This generous donation represents an important step toward increasing housing options and supporting sustainable growth in our city.”
‘Proud to contribute’
Jeff Lorenger, HNI president and CEO, added “HNI Corporation is proud to contribute to Muscatine’s future in a meaningful way. Through this donation, we aim to support the city’s vision for housing development and its impact on the well-being of current and future Muscatine residents.”
Dr. Bark also told the QBCJ he is grateful for HNI’s generosity to the city he leads. “We are blessed to have such a committed community partner in HNI, working hand-in-hand with us to address Muscatine’s critical need for expanded housing options.”
He added “This gift of strategically located parcels off University Drive marks a significant step toward supporting sustainable growth, revitalizing neighborhoods, and creating inclusive opportunities for current and future residents. HNI’s longstanding dedication to our community continues to strengthen Muscatine’s future, and we look forward to collaborating on developments that will meet the housing demands of our growing city.”
Next steps include the city reviewing plans for the parcels and working with local stakeholders. The goal is to determine the best approach for future housing initiatives which align with the city’s long-term development goals.
The city also said the parcels could be suitable for a subdivision that could include townhomes and single-family homes.
The project is expected to be completed in three phases over the course of several years, the release said. Once ownership transfer is complete, the city will develop and publish a Request for Qualifications (RFQ). They will seek potential developers for the project.
About HNI Corp
HNI Corporation was founded in Muscatine in 1944. It is a leading global manufacturer of office furniture and hearth products. The company employs about 3,200 people. Itis publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol HNI. HNI’s products are sold through its brands for office and home. It also includes its portfolio includes fireplaces, stoves, and office furniture.
The company values social responsibility. With its family of brands releases a biennial Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report. It details the corporation’s commitment to and progress towards a more inclusive, safe, and sustainable future.
