(Atlantic, Iowa) – Officials with the non-profit Vision Atlantic organization, says through extensive research and surveying of the community and surrounding region, they have identified three areas that will help increase Atlantic’s population: expanded childcare, quality housing and quality of life amenities. With substantial monetary support from the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and local donors, $16.3 million has been raised in the past six months, over 50% of a $30 million goal.

Christina Bateman, Vision Atlantic President, says “Atlantic has always been blessed with generous, giving residents that prioritize reinvestment in the community. This helps sustain Atlantic as a great place to live, and we are grateful to see that altruistic support in this transformational project we have developed. Never has Atlantic seen such an influx of financial support coming in from outside our community like we have with the Lakin Foundation. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Atlantic and we’re proud to bring this project to our community.”

The first piece of the project is access to childcare. The Ann W. Wickman Child Development Center (CDC) is currently at capacity with a waiting list of 60+ children. On top of that, home childcare providers are retiring, further adding to the shortage of childcare spots. Vision Atlantic is alleviating this burden by constructing an $11.5 million new childcare facility that will serve up to 300 children. The center will sit near 18th and Olive Street, adjacent to the new Camblin Hills Housing Development.

The center will provide a continuity of quality care from infants to five-year-olds, with the age range of children in rooms being further broken down to allow for even better, quality care. Dedicated rooms will have STEAM activities, dramatic play, and other educational activities. Due to a larger building, a dedicated room will be added for ill children to receive care and be kept separate until they can be picked up by a caregiver. An enhanced playground will be added to the property to allow a space for children of all abilities to play. Jack & Jill Preschool, currently housed at the Nishna Valley Family YMCA, will be moved to the facility.

Dianna Williams, Director of the Ann W. Wickman CDC, says “The Wickman Center has provided love and care for 14 years now to over 860 children from Atlantic and nine other surrounding communities. It’s easy to focus on immediate needs, but in order for our community to grow and prosper, we need to be progressive and work towards our future needs. We need to help those families that struggle to find childcare in our community, and we will provide opportunities for family’s needs well into the future. Our Vision and Purpose have always been to provide the best quality childcare that we can for families, and I’m so proud of our community for working together to make these dreams and incredible opportunities come true.”

The second piece of the project is housing. Atlantic currently has the highest percent of the oldest housing stock amongst sister cities in Iowa. Because of this, buyers cannot access new, move-in ready homes. Vision Atlantic will develop ‘Camblin Hills Housing Development’ to address this need. Named after the late Bob Camblin, co-founder of Vision Atlantic, this development will sit on the open 49-acres along Olive Street, between 17th & 22nd Street, that was purchased from the City of Atlantic. It will be 144 mixed units including town homes, duplexes, single-family homes, and lots for purchase. A park and biking/walking trail will be nestled in, offering a safe, family-friendly environment for any buyer. The Charles E. Lakin Foundation is providing a substantial $23 million in housing capital, and the development will provide a $48 million total financial impact on the Atlantic area.

Bateman says “10 years ago, there were 73 houses on the market in Atlantic. Today, only 16 houses are on the market without offers. We have people in our community, and those looking to move here, who are ready to purchase larger homes and people ready to build their dream home, but they can’t find what they’re looking for. This development will offer a little of everything, while also allowing buyers to “move up”, opening their existing homes for first time buyers, or for those who are ready to downsize.”

The final piece is quality of life amenities. Atlantic’s current, state-of-the-art YMCA, will undergo a $16 million renovation with an addition added to the front of the facility. An outdoor community recreation and event space will allow for fitness and outdoor events in all weather conditions. An indoor soft-play area will give families a safe, dynamic space for group play. 24-hour access to the expanded fitness floor will be available with the use of key fobs for entry after hours. A children’s museum area will bring a big-city feature into the community and be a source of education and fun. A STEAM room and E-Sports room will be added to give youth of all ages a place to gather. Additionally, a dedicated senior social and activity space will promote fitness as individuals age and help fight social isolation amongst seniors. Current plans also include adding a 70-seat movie theater space to the facility.

Nishna Valley Family YMCA Executive Director Dan Haynes says “Extensive surveying has been done the past several years to help us determine what enhancements the YMCA could add to address health, wellness and social connection. Everything listed above is things our membership, community and region have asked for. We’ve been blessed to serve the region for over 30 years. We’re excited to add these amenities to continue serving a broad range of ages and abilities, making our facility a community hub for generations to come.”

Bid letting for land infrastructure will begin late this summer, with construction of all three projects slated to begin late spring of 2025. Vision Atlantic’s Project Committee is actively working to secure the remaining $14 million needed to meet the $30 million fundraising goal. If you are interested in helping transform Atlantic, whether it’s through monetary donations or acts of volunteerism, please contact Vision Atlantic at visionatlanticiowa@gmail.com. Follow Vision Atlantic on Facebook for behind-the-scenes access to project updates.

ABOUT VISION ATLANTIC

Vision Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to empower growth, enhance lives, and build a thriving community together through the economic development of Atlantic, Iowa.