For 60 years, Nies Homes has been a defining force in Wichita's residential landscape. From its humble beginnings in 1964 to becoming one of the region's premier luxury home builders, Nies Homes has consistently prioritized quality, customer satisfaction, and trust. What started as a small family business has grown into a legacy of excellence, influencing the way Wichitans think about their new home dreams and expectations. As the company celebrates this significant milestone, we reflect on its growth, challenges, and enduring impact.
The Foundation of a Family Legacy
Nies Homes began in 1964 under the leadership of Clifford Nies, who envisioned a company rooted in personalized service and meticulous craftsmanship. Clifford revolutionized home building by designing homes tailored to the unique lifestyles of each client. At a time when cookie-cutter homes were the norm, this custom approach set Nies Homes apart, earning the trust and loyalty of homeowners throughout Wichita.
From the outset, Clifford established a reputation for excellence by focusing on individualized attention. He listened to clients' needs and brought their visions to life in each home he built. However, the success of Nies Homes wasn’t built by one person alone—it was a family endeavor. Joan Nies played a pivotal role in the company’s early operations, ensuring that the growing business ran smoothly behind the scenes. Meanwhile, Patty Nies handled the accounting duties with precision, contributing to the financial stability that allowed the company to thrive.
As the business grew to build up to 60 homes per year, Nies Homes remained unwavering in its commitment to quality. This foundation of family dedication and craftsmanship laid the groundwork for a multigenerational legacy in the home-building industry—one that continues to inspire trust and excellence today.
The Second Generation: Innovation Meets Tradition
Under the guidance of Clifford’s daughter, Cherie Nies-Cowgill, the company embraced modernization while maintaining its family-focused values. Cherie played a critical role in the company’s evolution, introducing innovative practices that enhanced both the design and customer experience. By integrating sales and design into the consultation process, she gave homeowners a direct role in shaping their future luxury homes. This hands-on approach strengthened customer relationships and built further trust in the Nies name.
Cherie’s leadership allowed Nies Homes to stay ahead of industry trends, blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Her contributions ensured that every new home reflected the company’s commitment to quality and innovation, further solidifying its legacy as a trusted home builder.
The Third Generation’s Transformative Impact
The third generation of leadership, led by Cherie’s sons, Nick and Curtis Cowgill, brought a modern perspective to the company while upholding its founding principles. Nick focused on operational efficiency, implementing streamlined workflows that enabled the company to maintain high-quality standards even as it grew. Curtis, meanwhile, brought technological innovation to the forefront, using digital tools and marketing strategies to connect with a new generation of homeowners.
Together, Nick and Curtis led Nies Homes through a transformative period, achieving milestones such as closing on 65 custom-built homes in 2014, a record for the company at the time. While Curtis has since transitioned to lead Nies Foundations, his contributions laid the groundwork for future growth and adaptability. The efforts of the third generation strengthened Nies Homes' reputation as a luxury home builder known for trust and innovation.
Nick Cowgill, current President of Nies Homes, Inc.
Resilience Through Challenges
Over six decades, Nies Homes has weathered numerous challenges, from economic downturns to industry-wide disruptions. During the 2008 housing market crash, the company adapted by focusing on efficiency and strengthening customer relationships. This strategy not only ensured survival but also positioned the company for growth as the economy recovered.
More recently, the post-pandemic period brought its own obstacles, including material and labor shortages that disrupted the construction industry. Nies Homes overcame these challenges by improving its acquisition processes, building stronger supplier relationships, and refining operations to meet deadlines without sacrificing quality. These efforts reinforced the company’s reputation as a reliable and adaptable home builder.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Quality
Every new home by Nies Homes reflects its unwavering dedication to craftsmanship. From the initial design phase to the final walk-through, the company prioritizes meticulous attention to detail. This commitment has earned Nies Homes a loyal customer base and numerous accolades over the years.
What truly sets Nies Homes apart is its ability to blend timeless values with modern trends. By staying attuned to changing preferences, such as open-concept designs and energy-efficient features, the company continues to lead the way in luxury home design. Each project is not just a house but a reflection of the homeowner's unique vision, ensuring a personal touch that fosters trust and satisfaction.
Shaping Wichita’s Landscape
As a cornerstone of Wichita’s residential development, Nies Homes has left an indelible mark on the city’s neighborhoods. Its projects go beyond building houses—they create communities where families establish roots and build lasting memories.
From spacious, functional designs to thoughtful community planning, Nies Homes has redefined what it means to live in a luxury home. These neighborhoods feature walking trails, green spaces, and access to some of the region’s top schools, demonstrating the company’s holistic approach to residential development.
Expanding Horizons: Luxury Communities on Wichita’s East Side
Nies Homes has recently taken a bold step into residential development by establishing luxury new home communities on Wichita’s east side. These developments cater to families seeking high-end homes with the convenience of nearby amenities.
What Makes These Communities Unique
Designed with attention to detail, these communities reflect Nies Homes’ dedication to creating spaces where families can thrive. With features such as parks, walking trails, and proximity to top schools, they offer more than just houses—they foster connection and belonging.
Why East Wichita?
Recognizing the area’s growth potential, Nies Homes strategically chose Wichita’s east side for these developments. The region provides the perfect blend of convenience and charm, with easy access to shopping, dining, and recreation, making it an ideal location for luxury homes.
Celebrating 60 Years of Trust and Excellence
The journey of Nies Homes over the past 60 years is a testament to its commitment to quality, innovation, and trust. From its beginnings as a small family business to becoming a leader in luxury home building, the company has consistently prioritized customer satisfaction and community impact.
As Nies Homes celebrates this milestone anniversary, it invites the Wichita community to reflect on the memories created in its homes and the trust built over generations. Here’s to 60 years of shaping Wichita’s landscape—and to many more years of building dreams.
Looking for a Trusted Home Builder? Explore Nies Homes today to discover how our legacy of quality and craftsmanship can bring your vision for a new home to life. Let us help you create the perfect space for your family’s future in one of Wichita’s most sought-after luxury communities.
