Build it and they will come

Iola’s investments in Cedarbrook Addition over past 14 years have paid off handsomely.

November 19, 2023 - 4:47 PM

In 2009, DCI of Construction of Oklahoma, above, built the first 30 homes in what is called the River Valley Homes complex in the Cedarbrook Second Addition. The homes were occupied in no time. After Iola leaders agreed this spring to invest another $1.7 million in infrastructure there, 22 lots, 16 of which are construction-ready, were snapped up by Jennifer Trester and her son, Blake Boone. The duo plan to build three to five market-priced homes a year. Register file photo

More than a year ago, Iola council members voted 7-0 to extend water, electric and streets in the Cedarbrook Addition and followed through last spring by committing $1.7 million to the project with the goal of attracting developers.

It worked.

On Monday, council members sold the 22 lots to the mother-and-son duo Jennifer Chester and Blake Boone.

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