A rental housing project is nearing completion in Jefferson.

Rowland Construction Company is building four fourplex units in the 500 block of North Olive Street, east of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Construction on the ranch-style and two-story townhomes started this past fall. Rowland Construction President Andy Rowland says four units have been rented out and the last two four plexes are anticipated to be completed within two weeks. The ranch apartments have two bedrooms and one bathroom and the townhomes have two bedrooms and 1 ½ bathrooms. Each unit includes a two-vehicle detached garage, refrigerator, microwave, stove, dishwasher and hook-ups for a washer and dryer. 

The project had support from several public and private entities. The Greene County Supervisors gave $30,000 to Greene County Development Corporation to purchase the land from St. Joseph’s. Then the Jefferson City Council passed an ordinance for new multi-family residential properties to receive a ten-year tax abatement. Rowland shares his gratitude for the support.

“It’s been fantastic. I mean I can’t ask for better groups of people to work with, everybody’s been so supportive. (I’ve) Had a lot of people out checking out to see what they are supporting and everyone’s been super excited about seeing the product. It’s a good feeling.”

Rowland tells Raccoon Valley Radio the rent is between $780-$880 depending on one or two year lease agreements. He has also contracted lawn mowing and snow removal services with Tim Pound of Pound Repair and Service. City Administrator Mike Palmer calls the project a success story and believes this project could lead to more rental units in the future.

“This at least establishes a baseline that people can see that for developers that yes it does work at this price point (for rent). That was always the problem for banks, it was the ‘unknown’ whether they could loan money on this and still make it work. Now there is a good comparable in town.”

Rowland adds he is working with another Greene County community to hopefully build additional rental units.