City Approves Agreements for $25M in Commercial Construction

Ankeny City Council unanimously approved Monday, tax abatement agreements with three companies planning $25 million worth of construction that will bring more than 250 jobs to Ankeny, according to a release from the city.

John Deere Des Moines Works was granted a 10-year tax abatement for a $15 million, 60,000 square foot building that would allow the company to move 220 employees from Johnston to Ankeny. Those employees have moved from Ankeny to Johnston over time due to overcrowding issues according to the City's agenda packet. The total value of the abatement is estimated to be about $655,188 over 10 years, according to agenda documents.

Lauridsen Group, Inc., was granted a seven-year tax abatement for the addition to their business. The total value of the rebate was estimated to be about $233,104, according to agenda documents.

Lauridsen Group, Inc., plans to build a $4.1 million, 21,000 square foot addition in the LGI Business Park that would add 40 high-paying jobs within three years. The annual salaries of these positions is estimated to be about $72,000 according to agenda documents.

And Northstar Power, LLC, plans to build a $5.2 million, 85,000 square foot building. That company received a five-year tax abatement. The estimated value of that rebate was not available.

Construction on all three facilities would begin this fall, according to a release from the city.