Conservation Communities - A New Approach for Cities

Lush, green, open space filled with prairie grasses, beautiful wildflowers, songbirds, wildlife habitat, meandering walking trails. Close-knit neighbors in tune with the nature that surrounds their homes and yards. These are the inherent components of Hubbell’s new conservation communities—a concept that may foretell the future for suburban developments.

“A conservation community creates a special place,” says Tina Hadden, whose firm, Mowry Strategies, specializes in environmental issues management and strategic planning. “Unlike a traditional subdivision with rows and rows of houses, you’re working with the lay of the land. You not only have a good view, you have a more natural state—not perfectly manicured lawns, but a more natural look with tallgrasses, native flowers, birds, and butterflies.”

The low-maintenance concept appeals to a wide range of people, Tina says, from young families to empty nesters. “We have nature deficit disorder today” she says. “We’ve become so far removed from nature that we’ve forgotten how to appreciate it. These communities bring nature and its beauty right up to your
back door.”

Although each personal yard is smaller—with houses closer together and nearer the street—among the houses “are larger, beautiful prairie areas, bike paths, and nature trails,” she says. “Common spaces are usually managed by the homeowners’ association but enjoyed by everyone. Children can have a relationship with nature instead of just playing in the backyard.”

To Jennifer Welch, urban conservationist with the Polk County Soil and Water Conservation District, Hubbell’s conservation communities fit perfectly into a statewide effort to embrace low-impact development practices for storm-water management.

“We talk a lot about having our landscapes work for us,” she says. “These open spaces are linkages that provide us with clean water or recreational opportunities. Conservation developments make the water work harder to get off the property. It’s exciting—protecting our water for the future.

“What we’re really talking about is managing storm water differently,” Jennifer adds. “We keep it on site to soak into the ground and seep slowly into the streams. The natural features are worked around and saved, or put back in with tree plantings and native grasses.”

CHANGING THE RULES

Picture of a Conservation Community with open green space.

Our suburbs in past decades have featured “gray infrastructure,” she says, with streets, sewers, lots of concrete. “Here, we’re talking about ‘green infrastructure,’ with open spaces to manage water flow, places for wildlife, and people movement within the landscape. I see regulations becoming more stringent in the future as we begin to understand the impact our practices have on the environment.”

Today youmay not have anywhere to go besides a sidewalk, Jennifer says. “But we’re beginning to change the rules. It brings back some of our heritage, giving people unstructured space to play on the rocks in the stream channel. It’s a livable, walkable community where we can get out and enjoy our neighbors in a way we haven’t been able to before.”

Gary and Carol Schug find life in a conservation community enjoyable as well as beautiful since moving into Glynn Village in Waukee a few months ago. “We love it,” says Gary. “We’re extended middle age, and we don’t have to maintain the backyard. But still, there is so much space. In May the wildflowers were so pretty.We’d sit out on the deck on Saturday morning, have coffee, and enjoy the wildlife and flowers. You feel like you live in the country.”

A NEW APPROACH FOR CITIES

Ruth Randleman, mayor of the city of Carlisle, where Hubbell’s Danamere Farms conservation community is located, says this new approach to beautifying the landscape and protecting water quality will be good for area cities. “You have to complement a traditional mind-set,” she says. “It’s a departure. We have some ordinances in place that don’t fit with this new kind of thinking. But we were interested in a ‘green’ approach, and it was a good match with Hubbell. I found it fun to work with something that I knew was going to be good for the community. It’s not a fad. If you don’t become sustainable, you may compromise your future.”

David Wilwerding, community development director for the city of Johnston, agrees. Although it’s still in the planning stages, he believes a conservation community will meet some of the city’s future needs. “EPA and DNR standards are tightening in regard to storm water,” he says, “so, going forward, the conservation theme
will need to take hold to meet the standards.”

“Cities are used to conventional subdivisions where they put everything in a pipe and move it into rivers and streams,” says Joe Pietruszynski, development manager for Hubbell Realty. “We’re doing the exact opposite. We’re trying to slow it down, open up more space. It’s a very environmentally sound way to develop land
while improving it.”

First and foremost, Joe says, “a conservation community minimizes the impact of storm water on the environment, retaining the water and cleaning it before it moves off site. When rain moves across the landscape and brings up particulate matter and pollutants from the road, as well as fertilizer, it moves them downstream. We’re creating native wetlands and native prairies and using them as a massive filter for the water.

“Our development mitigates the impact from pollutants and the velocity in which it leaves the site,” he says. “If we don’t do something about it, there will be increased pollutants, particulate matters, and erosion in our rivers and streams.”

WHY HUBBELL?

For Hubbell to become a leader in this effort is a natural, Joe says. “We have always been a market leader in new ideas and concepts. We have many years of construction experience in our company, and we realized this was the way of the future and the right thing to do.”

Many experts are brought in to help develop the communities, Joe says, including technical engineers to analyze the soil, civil engineers, landscape architects, botanists, experts in wetland mitigation, erosion control inspectors, and seed installers. Overall maintenance is uncomplicated, Joe says. “The prairie
regenerates itself. Occasionally we’ll need to do controlled burns and low mowing.

“Residents moving into a conservation community are aware the environment is special,” he says. “It has seven times the public open space that’s found in a typical development, and it’s a landscape that’s going to take on many different forms over time. It opens up space where the kids can play. It’s a completely different environment than in a conventional subdivision. I think ten years from now it will be the standard
approach to suburban development.”

Six Area Hubbell Conservation Communities:

Glynn Village in Waukee is Hubbell Realty Company’s largest conservation community. It features open public parklands, walking/biking trails, play areas, a community clubhouse with pool, and a habitat for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Take Hickman Road west of I80/35 approximately 5 miles to Warrior Lane and turn left. Continue south into Glynn Village.

Find homes and information for Glynn Village here.

Danamere Farms in Carlisle features biking/walking trails and spectacular views of rolling countryside in a natural setting. Take the Hwy 65/5 Bypass to Hwy 5 toward Carlisle. Turn south on Scotch Ridge Road. Danamere Farms is on your left.

Find homes and information for Danamere Farms

Meadowlark South in Grimes has something for everyone. It offers single-family homes nestled among native prairies, trails, and large public spaces just minutes from I80/35. Take Highway 141 to South 11th Street and turn west. The community is on the south (left-hand) side. Crosshaven in Johnston is situated on 277 acres and will offer easy access to linked trails and native prairie open space. Take Highway 141 to
Grimes/Saylorville Lake. Turn east on NW 70th Ave/Highway 44. Turn north on NW 100th Street
and continue approximately 3/4 mile. The community will be on your right.

Find homes and information for Meadowlark South

The Greens at Woodland Hills in Polk County sits on 207 acres of lush greenery and mature oak trees just north of Des Moines. It features approximately 100 acres of open space that will give homeowners access to beautful walking and biking trails, play areas and contiguous habitat for birds, butterflies and other
wildlife. Take 35 North to the Corporate Woods exit. Turn West on NE 66th Avenue and travel 1 ¾ miles into the community.

Tuscany in Altoona gives homeowners easy access to all of the amenities the city has to offer in an environmentally-sound neighborhood. The community is located close to Altoona’s extensive park and trails system, the aquatic center, the library, and a new Hy-Vee. Take 80 East to the Bondurant/Altoona exit and turn south on to 1st Avenue North. Turn east on NE 54th Avenue, and then south on to NE 80th Street, which will turn into 14th Avenue SE. The entrance to the community will be on your left.

Your Questions Answered

Mike Capobianco of Iowa Realty

QUESTION:
I’m a first-time homebuyer. Should I buy an existing house, or is it possible that I could consider building a new home?

ANSWER:
From Mike Capobianco of Iowa Realty:
It is definitely possible for you to get into new construction. There is a wide range of choices, from condominiums to brownstones to single-family homes. Plus, there are some very attractive financing offers right now, and we will help you explore those opportunities. I have been in this business for 32 years, so I have seen a wide range of interest rates from the high of 18 to 20 percent. So right now, when rates are at 6½ percent, it is a good time to explore the possibilities.

Customers have so many options of locations for new construction in numerous developments around the metro area. There are so many great opportunities for first-time homebuyers.

Mike Kraemer of Hubbell Realty

QUESTION:
We have some great ideas for building our dream home. But where do we begin? Can we count on help through the process?

ANSWER:
From Mike Kraemer, sales manager for Hubbell Realty:
Yes, of course, we’ll be there every step of the way as you go through the homebuilding
process. Our sales representatives are so knowledgeable about the value, quality, and best pricing options in our market. They have the best experience in this area, and we’re going to find you the best home for your situation, whether it’s an existing home or new construction.

In addition, you will be able to work with a professional designer. If you are tentative on some areas, we will hold your hand to explore some ideas to help you create the kind of home you dream about. You come with a vision, and we’ll help you make it come true.

You can bring in ideas, plans, and photos of looks you like in books and magazines, and we’ll go from there. We have numerous stock home plans, or we can tweak themfor the custom look you want.

Erin Wiggins of Cenergy

QUESTION:
What should I know about home insulation in terms of my square footage and the type of climate I live in? How big a difference can insulation make in energy consumption? Are there any new advances in insulation?

ANSWER:
From Erin Wiggins, general manager of Cenergy:
The biggest factor to know about insulation is that there are so many different types. Nearly any kind is OK to use as long as it is installed properly. Each one has its distinctive properties.

Also, R-value requirements vary, depending on the type of insulation you choose. Do your homework whether you are building or remodeling. We at Cenergy can help advise homeowners. For example, you would want a different type of insulation if you are installing geothermal heating and cooling as opposed to a regular heating system.

In Iowa’s climate, with hard winters, we have the situation with below-grade walls. That’s not common in the South or in spots such as California. It takes 8 years for concrete to cure, so putting lots of insulation in the basement only traps moisture, which is not good and causes mold growth. That’s an important consideration.

As for energy savings, it can be huge. There is no need to pay to heat the outdoors. Remember, too, that insulation is not an air barrier per se, but it greatly slows down the loss of air. In an attic, you would want a minimum of R-38.

New types of insulation, including soy-based foams and higher-density products, are being introduced constantly. (Cenergy is an independent environmental inspection company.)

Michelle York of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

Tabitha Davis of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

QUESTION:
What are the financing benefits of buying a new home today?

ANSWER:

From Michelle York and Tabitha Davis, home mortgage consultants at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage in Clive:
For many people, homeownership is a financially sound option, compared to renting. Unlike rent, the interest paid each year on a home is potentially tax deductible, as are most property taxes. Potential home buyers are better off locking in a rate they can afford rather than playing the rate game. Keep in mind that rates are only part of getting a mortgage. You need to make sure you work with a lender who will take the time to help you find the mortgage that meets your personal needs.

Mortgage rates are still relatively low from a historical perspective. Many home buyers understand that mortgage interest rates are low when compared to eight years ago, when rates went above 8 percent. In the early 1990s, interest rates were higher than 10 percent. We encourage home buyers to make their financial decisions based on where things are today, including their budget, needs, and future plans. While we can’t accurately predict when interest rates will rise or fall, we recommend that if rates are at levels you can accommodate, take advantage of that opportunity. Wells Fargo is experiencing a significant increase in contact from customers who want a responsible lender to help them with a refinance or home purchase.

Druid Hill Townhomes just South of Downtown Des Moines

When Ellen and Jim Hubbell purchased a Druid Hill condo at the end of 2007, little did they realize how much they would enjoy living in the south-side development. Of course, they were attracted by its convenient location on Fleur Drive—minutes from downtown, Gray’s Lake, outdoor trails, the East Village, and freeway on-ramps. Another draw was the spacious square footage, with enough room for the avid art collectors to add to and display their collection. But what the Hubbells didn’t know was how much of a plus their neighbors and Druid Hill’s amenities would be. “It’s been a nice surprise living here,” Ellen says.

Those little surprises include a friendly community of all ages, from young professionals to retirees, to impeccably maintained grounds. “We’ve both had big houses, gardens, and children, and we really enjoy our ‘lock and go’ situation,” Ellen says. “It’s very uncomplicated to live here.”

A HIDDEN GEM

Interior Photo of Druid Hill Townhome

Des Moines has numerous plusses—its livability, easy traffic, big yards, trail network—but Druid Hill may be one of the best of them all. The development on the former grounds of the Rollins Mansion began 10 years ago and includes two sections. The older section has 16 townhomes of which only 3 are currently available;
the second, newer portion is made up of eight ranch townhomes but has a different setup than the original. “Those eight units feel cozier—they still have upscale features but ‘live’ differently,” says Barb Logan, a real estate agent with Iowa Realty.

The two phases, created by Bloodgood Designs in fourtownhome-per-building configurations, share some common features: They all have uniform exteriors, walk-outs on the lower levels, two fireplaces (one on the main, one on the lower), a four-season sunroom, an upper deck, and main-floor master bedroom suite. But unlike those in many townhome developments, the rest of the floor plan can be customized. “It’s really nice that owners don’t have to be just like their neighbors,” says Barb.

And few townhome developments can claim to be located on the grounds of a mansion, as Druid Hill is. “The townhomes abut to Rollins Mansion, with terraced gardens and a dramatic view of downtown,” says Sue Hickman, a real estate agent with Iowa Realty. “It’s almost like an English countryside home in the heart of Des Moines.”

THE CENTER OF IT ALL

As the Hubbells have discovered, being in the center of Des Moines may be one of the best benefits of living in Druid Hill. The south side is close to almost everything—the airport, downtown, and eastern and western portions of Des Moines. That means residents are minutes away from the Science Center of Iowa, the Civic Center, and the downtown network of trails. “It’s close to everything, but because it’s tucked away in the rolling hillside and has its own gate, there is a sense of true privacy and security,” says Barb.

In addition, Druid Hill offers some perks that loft dwellers may end up missing. “Some downtown setups don’t have the singlefamily amenities such as garages,” says Sue. “And some suburbanites might not like things like using an elevator to access everything. Druid Hill is halfway between living in a loft and having a separate, single-family home.”

Therein lies its appeal to a range of age groups, from downsizing empty nesters to downtown workers. With large floor plans—3,000 for the second units, 4,000 for the first—the homes also feature the spaciousness that lofts may not include, and several still offer a few years of tax abatement. And, as part of the association membership, Hubbell Management maintains the grounds. “The landscaping is something you won’t find anywhere else in the whole metro area, and residents don’t have to lift a thumb for anything. It’s really a top-notch property management team,” says Barb Logan.

Jim and Ellen Hubbell couldn’t agree more. “They’re very responsive to what’s going on here,” says Ellen. “It’s a comfort knowing all those things are taken care of.”

And the community has welcomed the couple in unexpected ways—a block party, an email connection to ask questions. “Everyone has been very neighborly in a wonderful, friendly way,” says Ellen.

Visit Hubbell Homes to find Homes at Druid Hill