Ep43 Transforming Land into Communities: Tim Portzen on Place-Making and Development

Explore Middlebrook with Tim Portzen, where Iowa’s first agricultural neighborhood takes shape. Nestled just off I-35, this 800-acre community masterfully blends modern living with rural charm, uniting residential, commercial, and agricultural spaces. Discover how Middlebrook evolved from a bold recession-era idea into a thriving hub for community-focused living.

What you’ll learn from this episode

• The concept and development process of Iowa's first Agrihood, Middlebrook

• Diligent Development's shift from distressed assets to major community projects

• Strategies for managing large land tracts and developing income properties

• Challenges and intricacies of developing a new town from the ground up

• Tim's upcoming real estate projects and developments

Resources mentioned in this episode 

• Middlebrook Agrihood

• Missing Middle Housing by Daniel G. Parolek | Kindle and Paperback

• Ishmael by Daniel Quinn | Kindle and Paperback

About Tim Portzen

Tim Portzen is Vice President of Diligent Development, where he's spent over 13 years shaping communities through real estate development. Residing in Adel, Iowa, Tim and his wife enjoy local outings, like trips to Brenton Arboretum with their dog, Kelso, and visiting Wilson's Orchard at Middlebrook, a project close to Tim's heart. With Diligent's latest project, Middlebrook Meadow, Tim is excited to introduce a scenic hiking trail that connects with the Great Western Bike Trail. Passionate about creating lasting communities, Tim is helping Diligent bring Iowa's first agri-hood to life.

Connect with Tim 

• Website: Diligent Development

• LinkedIn: Tim Portzen

• Email: Tim@DiligentDevelopment.com

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