JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
Jasper is in midst of having a brand new community-based subdivision constructed beside Highway 41, just across the street from the town’s new middle school building.
Known as the Jasper Gulch Community, the brand new subdivision is in its early stages of physical development, with members of MGK Builder Group leading the charge in overseeing the ongoing project. Butch Kirk, developer of the project and MGK Builder Group, explained how the property is roughly 15 acres, with an additional eight and a half acres of property recently approved by the town’s Board of Mayor & Aldermen to be added within the main lot. On the main property, 64 homes in total are planned to be built, with two homes already sold and another two in contract.
Terry Gann, a retired patrolman and resident of Jasper, serves as a major partner who runs much of the project. According to Kirk, he and Gann established a public survey and conducted research as to what residents from all around the community and beyond would like to have out of the newly developed community. He explained that Jasper Gulch Subdivision will essentially be a brand new Jasper Highlands and River Gorge Ranch like property, minus a restaurant built within it. However, a swimming pool, dog park, playground, walking paths, as well as a picnic area will be on-site as major features for the subdivision. A clubhouse furnished with pool tables, a gymnasium, as well as a kitchenette area for gatherings will also be included.
Gann and Kirk’s top priority are to establish affordable housing within the community, with prices starting off at $369,900 for a three-bedroom , two-bathroom 1,300 square feet home in size . Kirk stated how he and the team were wanting to ensure that all moving into and residing in Marion County can have all the amenities which Jasper Highlands and River Gorge Ranch have, all the while supplying the community with affordable housing.
“We want to be able to supply into the community around us so they can afford the homes,” said Kirk.
Butch and Co . hope the new project can help attract new residents and businesses to the area. He felt by having newcomers move into the area, a greater demand for new shops and restaurants would flourish, thus bringing more business and activities to the community.
MGK Builders has received much support from the town’s various government boards, including Mayor Jason Turner and all Aldermen of Jasper. Kirk noted how Mayor Turner and others from the city council provide their support to the project’s construction. A major partner to the project is Tower Community Bank, which Consumer Bank President and County Commissioner David Abbott has also provided major support for MGK Builders in their mission to construct the Jasper Gulch subdivision.
The local company is looking ahead beyond the single project, with them in the works of bringing a bowling alley, as well as movie theater and additional markets to the area. Butch explained how the ideas came from many residents from around the area, who felt the biggest issue the town had was a lack of activities for children and families throughout the community. And without a proper number of activities, families are left to travel abroad to find things to do.
“If we can keep them here, and keep people here within the community and help the community grow, then we can do that,” stated Butch.
A ribbon cutting is set to be held upon the first homes being constructed, with members of the city council to attend in support of Jasper’s newest major project.