Cherokee, Iowa (NorthwestIowaNow.com) — A major hurdle for economic growth in Cherokee is being cleared this week. City and County leaders gathered to cut the ribbon on the new “Pioneer Apartments”—a large-scale housing complex designed to support the city’s growing workforce.

For decades, local businesses have struggled to recruit employees simply because there was nowhere for them to live. Cherokee County Economic Development Director Bill Anderson says this project—which includes 46 apartments and 10 townhomes—is the first of its kind in half a century.

The project was a collaboration between Eagle Construction and Talon Development.

For Cherokee Mayor Craig Schmidt, the opening marks a massive shift in the local housing market. He recalls that when he first took office, the lack of housing inventory wasn’t just a problem—it was a crisis that drove prices up and kept new residents out.

The new complex features one- and two-bedroom units and is located near major highways to assist commuters. City leaders say while the region is still recovering from recent flooding, investments like this prove Cherokee is open for business.