Think Urbandale is landlocked, with no room for development? Look again. This dynamic community is poised for its next chapter of expansion and innovation.

“Urbandale has tremendous growth potential,” said David Jones, Urbandale’s city manager. “The city can expand substantially to the west, plus Urbandale also has 14,000 acres of infill sites within city limits.”

Those infill areas—undeveloped or underutilized parcels of land—represent major opportunities for business expansion, innovative housing options and more community amenities that enhance the quality of life.

The city also continues to annex properties that are contiguous to the city, including areas with the Urban Loop. In addition, there are more opportunities for Urbandale to expand into Dallas County. All this is positioning Urbandale as a prime location for future investment, business growth
and new housing options.

“Urbandale has enjoyed steady, consistent growth,” said Jones, who noted that the city’s population is nearing 49,000 residents. “Now we’re thinking differently about housing options.”

Building on the past, innovating for the future

Along with traditional, single-family homes, Urbandale’s comprehensive plan includes mixed-use properties and higher-density housing, including apartments, townhomes and affordable housing.

A high-quality, mixed-use residential and commercial development with nearly 250 apartment and townhome units is currently under construction. The Loop apartments and townhomes, a Caliber Development project, is located on more than 10 acres near the Urban Loop, just east of the Home Depot.

In addition, the city purchased the Econo Lodge on Douglas Avenue and is reviewing proposals for a multi-family redevelopment project.

“We’re also embracing other creative solutions to meet housing needs, including accessory dwelling units (ADUs) located on the same lot as single-family homes,” Jones noted. “Options like this, along with zero-entry housing, can make it easier for people to age in place.”

Urbandale also has a master plan to revitalize the city’s core with a livable, walkable downtown and a thriving business district. “As the city’s population grows, more commercial and industrial development opportunities will come along with this,” Jones said.

To help build momentum, the Forward Urbandale Comprehensive Plan is guiding Urbandale into the future, from city boundary expansion to public and private development.

“City government here isn’t just responsive, but proactive,” Jones said. “We’re building on a strong foundation, plus we have bold, skilled policy makers and city leaders. The next 10 years are going to be an exciting time in Urbandale.”