Designs on Downtown
4th Street Condos in Downtown Des Moines
“Hubbell has always had such a vibrant history as being an integral part of what takes place in downtown Des Moines,” says Rick Tollakson, president and CEO of Hubbell Realty Company. “That mission continues today as we take pride in our ongoing efforts to make downtown Des Moines an exciting place to live, work, and play.”
Just look around downtown. In all directions, Hubbell is offering dynamic choices for urban dwellers in every phase of life. There are young professionals just out of college and on their first real job. There
are singles out on their own, pondering what direction to take.There are young married couples working together to establish a foundation, with or without kids. And there’s an ever-growing population of empty nesters trying a new adventure on for size now that their families have embarked on their own career and family paths.
There are about 75,000 Iowans working downtown, and several thousand of them have chosen to live there, too.What Hubbell provides are various lifestyle choices in housing at various price points.
WHY LIVE DOWNTOWN?
For Ben Washburn and his wife, Alicia, it’s right where they want to be. “We are 15 minutes from everything we do,” he says, “whether it’s work, the farmers’ market, or our favorite restaurants. My commute to work is three to five minutes on foot. It just doesn’t get better than that.”
It is, of course, a lifestyle choice, Ben explains. “People either think they would love it or hate it to make a move owntown.There’s only one way to know—just dive in and do it. If you’re nervous about it, rent for
six months or a year and see how you feel after that. And, if you have kids, know that the Downtown School is one of the best in the whole country, and it’s in our neighborhood.”
Ben is president of the Downtown Neighborhood Association, which formed about five years ago. “Granted, we have some situations that other associations don’t have to deal with, such as noise ordinance
issues. With seven spots having patio bars in a two-block stretch on Court Avenue, some residents get concerned.”
But, he points out, when residents can walk to all their main entertainment venues and they save on gas, wear and tear, and other car expenses, there’s a meaningful balance.
“It’s a lifestyle choice that is wonderful,” he says.
Doug Burnett of Burnett Realty couldn’t agree more. “There are two factors fueling the growth of living downtown. There’s a renaissance of creativity downtown, from new buildings, renovated older buildings, bike trails, and public art. There’s also the 10-year tax abatement. On a $325,000 brownstone, for example, you can save $51,000. Buyers would get so much less of a home without that factor. Really, what’s not to love about living downtown?”
MORE NEW OPTIONS
This spring Hubbell is swinging open the doors to two new downtown condo projects.
4th Street Condos
www.desmoinesdowntownliving.com/4thstreetcondos
Located on Fourth Street just south of Court Avenue, these one- and two-bedroom condominiums offer a range of 996 to 1,606 square feet. The 46 homes range from $196,900 to $329,900.
“There’s lots of interest in this project,” says Jill Creveling of Iowa Realty. “The location is terrific for experiencing all that downtown Des Moines has to offer, from Court Avenue entertainment and restaurants to the Civic Center and Wells Fargo Arena to the ballpark.”
With its solid urban feel, high ceilings, and oversize windows, the project has lots of appeal, she says. Underground parking helps cinch the deal, along with 10-year tax abatement. “Hubbell has upgraded
where it counts, from granite countertops, hardwood floors, and tile. It’s really an upscale property at an affordable price.”
Anne Timmins, also with Iowa Realty, has loved meeting the people looking to move downtown. “They range from young professionals to empty nesters wanting a change from being tied to a house. Downtown sells itself, which makes our jobs easier.”
She cites couples able to sell a second car because they don’t need two vehicles when living downtown. Anne also tells of a couple who came back from the East Coast for the husband’s 60th class reunion at Roosevelt High School. His first wife had died, and his second wife had a job involving travel.
“The guy just loved the transformation of downtown,” Anne says. “His wife said she spent an hour and 45 minutes each Monday morning getting to the airport. How long would it take in Des Moines? When I told her that from downtown she could be to the airport in 15 minutes, they went back East, sold their waterfront property to a developer, and moved to downtown Des Moines. They love it here.”
Midtown Heights
Located at MLK Jr. Parkway and High Street, this brownstone community with 17 units has a perk worth savoring, says Jennifer Clark of Burnett Realty. “There’s a two-car attached garage with each unit, which is fantastic.”
Midtown Heights - Downtown Des Moines
There’s a real community feel to this project, she points out, because of its location, within walking distance of two distinct areas, the western edge of downtown and the eastern edge of the Ingersoll Avenue area. Each home features two bedrooms and two and a half baths. They range from 1,135 to 1,203 square feet and from $177,900 to $189,900. Granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances are included.
“A real selling feature of this project is its location across the street from the Gateway Market,” says Rob Langloss, also of Burnett Realty. “Plus it’s just a short distance to Water Works Park, Gray’s Lake, and the airport. Every time you drive through the Ingersoll or Sherman Hill areas, there’s something new happening, which makes this a really key location.”
“Over the past few years, we have developed a number of options for downtown’s ever-growing population,” Rick says. “This year is no different as we open these new communities. It’s exciting to be part of the changing skyline.”
Hubbell has positioned a number of housing anchors—east, west, and in the middle—to give options for achieving the adventure that is downtown Des Moines. Hop on board: The momentum is taking off!
Tags: Condos, Lofts, Urban Living