Independence gets first apartments in decades

A Cedar Falls developer is constructing the first new apartment complexes in Independence in a decade.

Echo Development Corp. purchased two lots on Enterprise Drive this past summer owned by the Buchanan County Economic Development Commission.

Construction began in September on the first of four, 12-unit apartment buildings of Rush Mill Apartments.

Cory Henke. project manager for Echo Development, said the first 24 units are scheduled to be available in fall 2019.

'The decision to build apartments in Independence was easier to make because of the Buchanan County Economic Development housing needs assessment,” Henke said. 'Independent data showing the need for housing reduces our risk in building new apartments.

Rush Mill Apartments will offer two-bedroom, two-bath apartments with nine- to 10-foot ceilings, a master bedroom with a master bath and a walk-in closet.

The eat-in kitchen area will feature Bertch Cabinets manufactured in Waterloo. Every unit will have a dedicated garage, outside parking stall and a balcony.

'Area businesses are hiring new employees and their workers and families need someplace to live,” said George Lake, director of Buchanan County Economic Development.

'We anticipate that the Rush Mill Apartments near Prairie Hills are the first of many new housing units to be created throughout Buchanan County.”