Workers last week moved dirt on 63 acres in the 3301 block of East 56th Street in northeast Des Moines. The land was rezoned this week to allow construction of single- and multifamily residences. Photo by Kathy A. Bolten

About 63 acres of farm ground in northeast Des Moines was rezoned by the City Council this week, making way for a development that will include more than 90 single-family houses, townhomes and multifamily residential apartments for individuals with physical or developmental disabilities.

The land is located in the 3301 block of Northeast 56th Street just west of U.S. Highway 65. Bethany New Life Christian Church is just northeast of the parcel, which was bought in March by QSL Development LLC for $1.1 million.

John Larson of J. Larson Homes LLC is one of the development’s owners.

Houses in the development will be priced between $180,000 and $250,000, according to a city document. 

Sanitary sewer was extended to the area this summer and a pond on the property will be enlarged to capture stormwater. Plans also include extending the Gay Lea Wilson Trail north to the development. The trail crosses Northeast 56th Street about a half-mile south of the development.

“It’s always great to see new homes and new developments in Ward 2 that add value to the entire city,” said City Councilwoman Linda Westergaard at Monday’s council meeting.