The three owners bought manufactured homes, a trend that may be popular among those rebuilding. Larry Eller, community development director for Parsons, said he has been surprised that not many tornado victims have looked to the city for assistance in rebuilding. Some still may be weighing their options while living in rental housing, or with families. This person bought the home through the city's housing program. Eller said an overwhelming majority of people rebuilding homes after the tornado will buy manufactured homes because they are quicker to place and less expensive.
Parsons has two housing developments on the fast track as a result of the tornado.
The city had already planned to develop 6.4 acres of land it bought north of the 600 block of 33rd and 34th streets, as well as the 25th and Briggs location. The city applied for a grant to develop infrastructure needed for these subdivisions. Together, the additions will offer up to 23 lots, on which people can build new homes or place manufactured homes. Although they live near the flood plain, Patricia Merrick and James Armitage were able to rebuild on their existing lot in the 1st Ward. Their property at 1509 Crawford lies just outside the flood plain.