Willow Estates Ribbon Cutting Celebrates Major Step Forward in Colby Housing
- Kristina Hemel
- Aug 4
- 4 min read
A strong crowd gathered on Monday morning in Colby to officially cut the ribbon on Willow Estates, an 18-unit duplex development designed to help meet the growing housing demand in the community. Located just behind Jimmy John’s on Sewell Avenue, the new neighborhood includes both 2- and 3-bedroom income-based units and was celebrated as a much-needed investment in the city’s future.
The event brought together key figures from the development team, city and state leadership, and even a grateful new resident who shared what the homes already mean to her.
A Housing Crisis Answered
Colby City Manager Ron Alexander, who helped launch this project shortly after becoming city manager in 2022, was one of the first speakers at the event. He recalled receiving a call in October 2022 from XL Development Group, expressing interest in building in Colby.
“I had my best salesman hat on that day,” Alexander joked, “doing everything I could to sell the community of Colby as one worth investing in.”
The conversation paid off. Less than three years later, Willow Estates now features nine duplexes — 18 total units — built to serve the community’s growing housing needs.
“We have plenty of job and career opportunities,” Alexander said, “but not enough housing to meet the demands of a growing community. Willow Estates is a big step toward changing that.”
Built for Colby, Backed by Partnership
Sam Hilliard, President of XL Development Group and a former minor league pitcher drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals, spoke next. He praised the strong partnerships that made the project possible, from the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) to Woofter Construction and local leaders.
“This project includes eight 3-bedroom units designed for larger families,” Hilliard said, “and one-third of all units are set aside for tenants at 50% of the area median income. These homes will stay affordable for at least 25 years.”
He also emphasized the importance of both federal and now-expired state housing tax credits that helped finance the project, calling on attendees to advocate for their return.
“Without those credits,” he said, “this beautiful development wouldn’t have been possible.”
State Support Critical to Future Growth
Ryan Vincent, Executive Director of the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation, called the ribbon cutting “the coolest one I’ve ever been to in August." as it was a gorgeous morning for the outdoor event.
KHRC administers the state’s housing programs and helped fund Willow Estates through both federal and state tax credits. Vincent used the moment to stress how critical these programs are, especially in rural Kansas.
“This is so much more than four walls and a roof,” Vincent said. “It’s where families will grow, seniors will watch grandkids, and employees from the hospital or college can live. It’s a neighborhood. It’s economic development.”
Vincent also pointed out the KHRC’s role in revitalizing housing in small towns like Rexford and encouraged residents to continue conversations with state policymakers about maintaining housing investment funds, including the now-defunded Moderate Income Housing program.
A Grateful Resident’s Perspective
One of the day’s most heartfelt moments came from Lisa Morphy, a Colby Community College employee and one of the first residents to move into Willow Estates.
“When they were building these, I drove by with my sister and said, ‘I want to live there,’” Morphy recalled. “She told me I’d never be able to afford it.”
But after applying, applying again, and following through with all the documentation, she got the call — and the keys.
“I tell everyone I got the golden ticket,” she said, smiling. “These homes are beautiful. They don’t look like affordable housing, and that’s important. It feels safe. It feels like home. I tell people the next time I move, it’ll be in an urn — this is my forever home.”
Morphy praised Woofter Construction for their diligence and craftsmanship, noting everything from the large bedrooms and modern windows to the little design details that make a big difference for older residents.
Making It Work: Behind the Scenes
The development of Willow Estates required complex funding from public and private partners. Brian Graney of Marble Cliff Capital traveled from Columbus, Ohio, to speak at the event. His firm helped convert the awarded tax credits into equity financing for the project, working alongside Sunflower Bank.
Sunflower Bank’s Kyle Stingley noted that the project is even more rewarding when you get to see the results — and hear stories like Lisa’s.
“This is what makes my job worth it,” he said. “We helped finance the construction, and it’s amazing to see it complete. I kind of want to move into one myself.”
Local Builder Leaves a Lasting Mark
Mike Woofter, owner of Woofter Construction, earned laughs and applause as he took the mic. Woofter instead kept his remarks focused — and heartfelt.
“This job was dirty, hot, cold, and windy,” he said. “But our crew was here early and stayed late. I’m so proud of what we accomplished.”
Woofter Construction handled not only the building, but also concrete and irrigation work, playing a key role in getting the project back on schedule after early setbacks.
“This is a great addition to Colby,” he added. “We just keep stepping up.”
Willow Estates Details
Willow Estates is located just off Sewell Avenue behind Jimmy John’s in Colby. The community includes:
2-bedroom, 1-bath units with just under 1,200 sq ft
3-bedroom, 2-bath units with over 1,400 sq ft
Single attached garages on each unit
Zero-entry design and private entrances
All units are handicap-visitable
Major appliances provided
Grounds maintenance and snow removal included
Income-based eligibility
Those interested in applying can learn more or begin the pre-application process at:👉 https://exceldg.com/properties/willow-estates/
A Community-Wide Effort
The ribbon cutting also included remarks from Lizzie White with the Colby/Thomas County Chamber of Commerce, as well as acknowledgments of numerous partners who supported the project — from engineers and architects to state senator Rick Billinger, U.S. Congressman Tracey Mann’s office, and economic development leaders.
Before closing, Wayne Mortensen of XL Development summed it up best: “We don’t work in communities where we’re not wanted. Colby welcomed us with open arms, and we’re proud to be part of its future.”
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