(Atlantic, Iowa) – Vision Atlantic, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has partnered with the Charles E. Lakin Foundation, to address housing in Atlantic. Christina Bateman, Board President of Vision Atlantic, says the mission of Vision Atlantic is to “Empower growth, enhance lives and create a thriving community together.” She adds, “We’re poised to transform Atlantic for generations to come.”

After thorough research with community partners over recent years, Vision Atlantic has pinpointed three critical areas that are pivotal for stabilizing and enhancing Atlantic’s population: expanding housing, childcare facilities and amenities. Collaborative efforts with community stakeholders, generous donors and foundational support channel an estimated $75.5 million into these vital projects. This includes $48 million directed towards new housing, $11.5 for a new state-of-the-art child development center, and $16 million for the expansion of the local YMCA.

Contributions towards a $30 million fundraising goal have been robust, with over $9.7 million pledged by local donors. The Charles E. Lakin Foundation has committed a remarkable $8.6 million, significantly supporting the new child development center and YMCA expansion. As part of the Foundation’s $165 million contribution to ‘Revitalize Southwest Iowa’, Vision Atlantic has received $23 million, which will serve as capital the organization will use to construct 144 housing units in the new Camblin Hills Housing Development. The $23 million will reoccur yearly, giving Vision Atlantic the ability to accomplish other housing and commercial goals once this project is complete.

Steve Wild, President of the Charles E. Lakin Foundation, remarked, “Atlantic isn’t just waiting for a brighter future, they’re building it. Our investment and Vision Atlantic’s bold leadership are the catalysts propelling this community into an era of prosperity.”

Camblin Hills Housing Development sits on 49 acres and will include single family homes, town homes, duplexes and tiny homes, with lots also available for purchase. A biking/walking trail will be nestled in, offering a safe, family-friendly environment for any buyer. Once the $23 million capital is paid back to the Foundation, 5% of the interest paid will be donated back to Vision Atlantic to be used as an endowment to fund the new child development center, generating an estimated $1.1 million each year.

Christina Bateman said “We are extremely grateful to the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and all our local businesses and residents who have already committed financial support to help make this once-in-a-lifetime project a reality. This incredible generosity from the Foundation is not only going to change Atlantic for the better, but all of Southwest Iowa.”

Infrastructure for Vision Atlantic’s transformative project is slated to begin this fall with construction beginning spring of 2025. All 144 housing units will be completed by the fall of 2030 and will produce an estimated $1.1 million yearly in additional tax revenue to the City of Atlantic and Cass County. The Lakin Foundation Child Development Center of Atlantic is slated to be completed by November 2026 with the YMCA expansion complete by September 2027.

Over the past 11 months, Vision Atlantic’s Project Committee has raised $18.3 million dollars, 60% of a $30 million 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 or www.visionatlantic.org.