Open house at Arbor Estates shows slow-but-steady progress

Two new houses at Arbor Estates were open for a public viewing, allowing residents and prospective residents alike to see what they can come to expect from the budding subdivision located on a vast acreage in northeast Newton between Berg Middle School and Agnes Patterson Memorial Park.

Jennifer Sullivan, of EXP Realty, welcomed visitors to the open houses of a ranch-style home at 2502 N. Eighth Ave. E. and a two-story home at 2508 N. Eighth Ave. E. in Newton. Both houses are for sale at $399,900 and $424,900, respectively. Sullivan was excited to see the response from the community.

“I think we will be a nice addition to the Newton community as a whole, and I think they fit in really well with Dan’s vision for his homes,” she said of Destiny Homes owner Dan Sparks. “It will complement what is already in existence and provide some more affordable and unique plans to the Newton market.”

Bruce Showalter, executive director of Newton Housing Development Corporation, has been a part of the development of Arbor Estates since 2018. Back then, the 70-acre parcel of land was nothing but a cornfield. Although the pandemic slowed progress, there have been 10 homes built on the land so far.

“I am happy with the progress and quality of homes at Arbor Estates,” Showalter said. “We also developed Cardinal Pond in the process, which is a benefit to the people of Newton. I believe this subdivision is very good for Newton … and it is an ideal area for the future growth of the city.”

Also nearby Arbor Estates is the abutting Fair Meadows subdivision. Combined, the two subdivisions have allowed Newton to grow and attract new families to town. The progress now — although slower than Showalter and city leaders would like — is a huge improvement to 2011, when no new homes were built.

More homes in Newton grows the tax base, enrolls more kids in schools, grows existing businesses and boosts the local economy.

“When you live in town you spend your money in that town,” Showalter said. “To build houses and have houses available and lots available for people to build on is an ideal situation for the continued growth of the town. With more people comes more amenities, more volunteers, more shoppers, more everything.”