What city has 254 new apartments with basketball and pickleball courts? Salina in 2026.

After several years of growth and development in Salina, construction on one of the largest housing projects in the city is officially underway.

Salina Destination Development was joined by dozens of representatives from the city of Salina, local businesses and more as it broke ground on Phase 1 of the a multifamily housing development Wednesday morning.

“We are thrilled to begin construction on this exciting project,” said Jeremy Hurt, lead contact for Salina Destination Development. “Phase 1 will offer 254 modern apartments, featuring spacious floor plans, basketball court, children’s playground, pickleball court, BBQ grilling area, clubhouse and in-unit laundry.

"We are confident that these apartments will appeal to a wide range of residents, from young professionals to families.”

Why is more housing needed in Salina?

City manager Mike Schrage spoke about the process it took to get to where the Salina Destination Development was on Wednesday.

"Today's groundbreaking is the culmination of a lot of work, by a lot of people, over a lot of years," Schrage said.

He said this housing project, as well as others that are happening across the community, is necessary after the growth and development Salina has seen in recent years.

"In particular, Great Plains (Manufacturing by) Kubota ... the expansion of the Schwans project ... and 1 Vision (Aviation) among other projects," Schrage said.

Salina Mayor Bill Longbine said although he has was elected later in the process of getting this project realized, he knew the importance of this moment.

"Today marks a significant step in meeting Salina's housing challenges," Longbine said. "A tremendous amount of work and effort has brought us to break ground on this first phase of apartment units."

He thanked staff for making this a reality after members first began to address the needs shown in a housing study that was conducted in 2020.

"These apartments will fill an important need identified in that housing study," Longbine said.

How is the Salina Destination Development being funding?

All the speakers during the ceremony talked about the efforts that went into securing funding for this project, including from public and private sources.

State funding in the amount of $25 million was secured with the help of state leaders like Lt. Gov. David Toland and local legislators, including Sen. J.R. Claeys, R-Salina.

"These kinds of things don't happen by accident, they really take the work of a lot of folks here in Salina and Saline County, working toward a shared vision and a common goal," Claeys said. "That's something that has resulted in not only what you are about to see here, but this is the catalyst for a lot of things to come.

"You're going to hear a similar refrain as these groundbreakings occur across our city and across our county over the next couple of years. My message to you is, 'Stayed tuned, there's more to come.'"

More: Here's why elected Saline County officials won't see an increase in pay right now

Finally, Salina Destination Development's Dave Murfin spoke about his excitement for the project and the people and organizations who have come together to make this a reality.

"This is an $80 million project," Murfin said. "With (local) Bennington State Bank, we have the loan funded and secured, and we'll be turning dirt practically immediately. We're very excited to do it."

Phase 1 is expected to be completed in early 2026.

This article originally appeared on Salina Journal: Construction begins for 254 apartments at Salina housing development