One of the problems facing Des Moines in the early 1990s was a lack of affordable housing for low-income families. As part of a comprehensive strategy to address this situation, when property became available in the Capitol East Urban Revitalization area, the city worked with Newbury Development to create an affordable housing complex.

FRK was brought in to design the facility, consisting of 24 two-bedroom apartments, 12 three-bedroom apartments, and 6 three-bedroom townhouses. Some of the special features of the project include a protected play area for children and a gazebo which residents can use to enjoy the outdoors and watch their children at play.

Every unit was leased before construction was complete by residents with incomes below 60 percent of average. The project has been incredibly successful in bringing families back into the downtown revitalization area, and it has helped spur many other similar projects in the area and across the city.

Location:
Des Moines, Iowa

Owner:
Newbury Development

Size: 42 units

Completed:
1995

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Exterior