By ALEXANDER SIMONE

Staff writer

The first of Marion’s new Coble St. houses is roughly half completed, and, according to Marion economic development director Randy Collett, two more homes already are under contract.

“No. 1, we need the housing,” he said. “No. 2, it’s nice to be able to point to someone and say that yes, they are going to be taking advantage of our moderate-income housing subdivision. It’s a happy relief.”

The five-home development is being built by Strawn Contracting of Hutchinson.

The first house is almost ready for insulation and drywall to be installed, company owner Jim Strawn said.

“People see what they are getting,” Jim Strawn said. “As we come along and Sheetrock goes up and siding goes on the outside, they drive by and see things they like. I think that makes a difference.”

Progress was slowed by rain, but Strawn expects concrete to be poured for the two other homes’ basements within a week or two.

The homes will be roughly 1,300 square feet but of different designs.

Options range from having a patio to adding a third-car garage, as well as several in-house customizations, such as a finished basement.

“This isn’t a cookie-cutter design the city happened upon,” Collett said.

While Collett handles applications and puts prospective buyers in touch with Strawn Contractors, he and the city aren’t involved in what goes into the house or pricing.

“That’s between the new applicants, the builder, and their lender,” he said.

The development’s final two homes have yet to be started and remain for sale.