Tiffin sees building boom

Jim Glasgow has big plans for his 54-acre lot in Tiffin.

Glasgow, a mechanical contractor and land developer, is working to build an 18,000-square-foot medical office complex, more than 20 commercial business spaces, a day-care facility, more than 200 housing units and a veterinarian clinic, which already is under construction and is expected to open in August.

To date, he has spent $5 million on the project. But to Glasgow, it's an investment worth making given Tiffin's growing population.

'There is just a lot of interest in going there,' Glasgow said. 'The business owners see Tiffin as a very fast growing community.'

'It's something that this town needs,' said Tiffin Mayor Steve Berner, who said the developments could bring much needed services to Tiffin. He also said Glasgow's projects could provide the city with additional tax revenue, which could be used to fund road improvements and pay for an upgrade to the wastewater treatment plant. City officials said they need to upgrade the wastewater plant to keep up with the growth in Tiffin's population.

Tiffin has seen a significant jump in population in recent years — from 1,947 in 2010 to an estimated 2,500 to 2,600 people now, according to City Administrator Doug Boldt. At this rate, Boldt said Tiffin should expect to have 3,400 people by 2020.

Glasgow said he hopes his Prairie West development, adjacent to Clear Creek Amana High School on Highway 6, will turn into a beautiful commercial area.

Glasgow plans to build 96 zero-lot line duplexes, 36 units of row housing and 96 apartment units. He hopes to have the project completed in three to five years.

With most houses starting in the $200,000 range, Glasgow said he hopes reasonable housing prices and the strong school system will attract younger families to the Prairie West development.

Overall, Glasgow said the city of Tiffin has been great to work with, and the project has proceeded without any major roadblocks.

The Prairie West development is not the only sign of Tiffin's growth. Boldt said six other subdivisions are under construction in Tiffin, and the city has approved 90 building permits this year alone. He said developments support job growth.

'This is a fun and exciting time to be a part of this community,' he said. 'To be a part of facilitating its growth.'

The Clear Creek Amana Community School District also is investing in Tiffin with construction projects.

Tiffin will welcome a new elementary school this August along with an addition to Clear Creek Amana Middle School, which is scheduled to be completed in November.

Tim Kuehl, Clear Creek Amana superintendent, said the district's high school also is set to receive an addition to increase capacity.

Kuehl said Tiffin is an attractive place to live because it offers a small-town feel but provides the job opportunities that come with living next to larger cities.

'I think people like the small-town atmosphere, and I think people know that we have a quality school system,' Kuehl said.