Camblin Hills Development Breaks Ground, Paving the Way for Future Growth
Vision Atlantic hosted the groundbreaking ceremony for Camblin Hills Housing Development June 18th, drawing a large crowd to celebrate this historic feat for the Atlantic community.
The event included a brief program, with words of appreciation and excitement shared by Christina Bateman, Vision Atlantic Board President; John Hoich, Vice President of the Charles E. Lakin Foundation; Donna Dostal, President & CEO of the Community Foundation for Western Iowa; and Debi Durham, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority.
While the afternoon focused on celebrating Atlantic’s future, Vision Atlantic also took time to honor the past—specifically the lasting impact of late community leaders Bob Camblin and Don Sonntag. Their families were in attendance and shared heartfelt reflections on the incredible contributions both men made to Atlantic. Without their vision and dedication, much of the community’s housing and commercial development would not exist today. In recognition of their legacy, the Vision Atlantic Board of Directors presented each family with a Legacy Award, acknowledging the role their work played in making this new development possible.
Camblin Hills is located along Olive Street between 17th & 22nd Street and will add 142 new homes to the community over the next five years. The development is designed to meet diverse housing needs with a mix of single-family homes, condos, town homes, tiny homes and lots for custom builds.
In 2025 alone, 48 units will be built, including several single-family homes, multiple condos, and 10 tiny homes (which will be used as Airbnb rentals)—all aimed at revitalizing Atlantic and welcoming new families to the area.
This project is made possible through an incredible partnership with the Charles E. Lakin Foundation and the Community Foundation for Western Iowa. Together, they established a $23 million investment fund, which Vision Atlantic will borrow from to build all 142 units. As the loan is repaid, up to 5% of the fund balance will be donated back to Vision Atlantic to establish a long-term community endowment fund—supporting local needs such as affordable childcare.
For more information about the Camblin Hills Housing Development, visit www.visionatlantic.org or email visionatlanticiowa@gmail.com.
Vision Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to empower growth, enhance lives, and build a thriving community together through the economic development of Atlantic, Iowa.