Tom Wittman coordinates Knapp Properties land development interests. Knapp’s projects range from single-family residential to multi-family townhouse and apartment projects, stand-alone commercial buildings to multi-tenant retail space, and industrial buildings for warehouse and manufacturing. Land development starts with site analysis: knowing property location, boundary, and topography; how to access the site. Is site access paved or gravel? What is the developer’s cost obligation to improve or extend perimeter access roads? Is sanitary sewer and water main readily available? Are there service area fees for sanitary sewer and water main? What land use is shown in the governing comprehensive plan? Is the property annexed? Is it zoned? What about environmental conditions? Are there contaminated soils or archeological features to investigate? Does the site have wetlands or contain Waters of the U.S. that can be incorporated into the design, or need to be mitigated? What is the cost of mitigation? What is the highest and best use of the property? Does the property’s highest and best use agree with the publics’ plans for growth?
Tom’s job entails overseeing the design and construction of property improvements such as grading, underground utilities, paving, and plating needed to create saleable lots with building pads. Tom obtains budget pricing information from contractors to assist with financial analysis. He hires and directs engineering and architectural consultants. Tom presents projects, plans, and timelines to Ownership and in public meetings for rezoning, platting, and construction drawing approval. Through years of experience, Tom has multiple industry contacts he relies on for project analysis and development.
Tom is a registered landscape architect with a master’s degree in urban & regional planning from the University of Iowa. Tom joined Civil Engineering Consultants in 1994, becoming a Principal and Vice-President while working with Des Moines largest land development companies. He joined Knapp Properties as an in-house consultant in 2013.