If the zoning change and all other necessary approvals are awarded, construction could begin in June 2026.

Hoppe Development of Lincoln, Nebraska, has proposed the project. It would be a 65-unit complex on the south side of Third Avenue Northwest between Fifth and 10th streets northwest on what is now vacant city-owned land. The site is about three acres.

Evan Clark, a representative of Hoppe Development, told the council that the complex would include a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom units. He said the rent would range from $750 to $1,750 per month.

The original proposal was for 90 units. Clark said that was revised to 65 units after the city’s Plan and Zoning Commission recommended a multifamily residential zoning status that would permit one dwelling unit per 2,000 square feet of lot area.

Astra Ferris, the chief executive officer of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, told the council that the proposal is in line with both the city’s Re-Envision 2030 strategic plan and its recent housing study.

Wendy Stephan, the executive director of the Fort Dodge Housing Agency, said the presence of the new apartments will greatly reduce the waiting list of local residents seeking affordable housing.

The council voted unanimously without discussion to approve the first reading of a measure changing the zoning designation of the site from office commercial and single family residential to multifamily residential.

That measure must be approved two more times to go into effect.