FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT SPURS REVITALIZATION IN CHURCH ROW
WATERLOO, IA — A once-vacant lot at 601 Randall Street is being transformed into a new single-family home, marking a milestone in neighborhood reinvestment made possible through collaboration between the City of Waterloo, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Hawkeye Community College, and Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity.
The property, located in the Church Row Neighborhood, was formerly occupied by a deteriorating single-family home that was demolished in 2019. The property owner later sought to donate the land for the construction of affordable housing. To support the transfer and future redevelopment, the City of Waterloo utilized funding from its U.S. EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant to address environmental due diligence requirements prior to redevelopment.
Through the Brownfields program, Hawkeye Community College completed a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) for the property, clearing the way for acquisition and redevelopment. Hawkeye subsequently partnered with Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity, which is now constructing a two-story, single-family home on the site.
This project represents part of a broader reinvestment strategy in the Church Row Neighborhood. To date, the City of Waterloo has partnered with Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity on more than 10 new construction and rehabilitation projects in the area, with additional opportunities for reinvestment ahead.
City officials note that the Randall Street site could serve as a catalyst for the development of multiple new homes within a three-block radius, demonstrating how targeted grant funding can help trigger larger-scale neighborhood revitalization.
Currently underway, the infill project represents a meaningful investment in a neighborhood impacted by vacant lots and aging structures. The site’s proximity to Elks Memorial Park and U.S. Highway 63 makes it a key location for continued reinvestment and long-term community growth.
The City of Waterloo’s Brownfields Program has played a vital role in helping return underutilized properties to productive use, removing barriers to redevelopment while protecting public health and encouraging sustainable, community-centered development.
Construction is expected to continue throughout the coming months, with Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity working alongside volunteers and partners to bring the home to completion. The program supports community revitalization, economic development, and environmental stewardship.
