WCFCourier reports from Waterloo, Iowa, that a downtown area first platted in 1854 will be the site of a modular home development.  With the exception of two homes across the street built seven years ago, the five new houses will be the first new homes built there in 85 years.  The first of the 1250 square foot, three-bedroom houses will arrive April 11, and the other two will be in place by the end of May.  The project is a collaboration of the city and the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED).  John Rooff, former mayor and president of the construction firm, said, “The idea is to clean the neighborhood up by clearing out what’s blighted and then putting in affordable housing.”  Federal funding is being used to buy and demolish some homes, and renovate others to then sell in an attempt to restore the neighborhood.