Hastings Experiences Building Boom
Several large retail and residential projects came to fruition – and multiple large development projects were still in progress – in 2025 during another strong year for development in Hastings.
During 2025, the Development Services Department issued 1,380 permits, which resulted in the addition of $75,357,750 in valuation to the tax rolls.
Opened projects include the Elm 26 Apartments at Elm Avenue and 26th Street, and the 56-unit apartment complex at the Theatre District. Construction also continues with the Heartwell Renewable bio-diesel plant and a new dormitory for Hastings College.
“There’s been a bunch of development projects that went on the last couple years, and I think there’s going to be a bunch coming in the future,” Development Services Director Kevin Kubo said. “It’s exciting. We are striving for consistent sustainable growth in our community.”
Other large-scale housing projects underway or completed include Fairview Villas, which includes 14 duplex buildings (28 units) at F Street and Franklin Avenue.
Ground was broken for new housing development at Cedar and D Street. This development will provide much needed low to moderate income housing units for the City of Hastings.
“Our growth was a lot compared to what we’ve had the last several years, but it’s very manageable,” Kubo said.
Kubo began working for the City of Hastings in November 2021 as Chief Building Official. Hastings has had steady growth in residential and commercial development in the last four years.
The Development Services Department has worked on updating processes, speeding up review time, and has boosted communication with developers, contractors and the public.
Most of the development projects are within city limits and near already existing infrastructure, such as paved streets, electric lines, water and sewer.
“It’s exciting that these projects are occurring in areas where infrastructure is present; meaning that automatically makes things just a little more affordable for everybody involved,” Kubo said.