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The Market District won’t remain undeveloped for much longer.
Currently, two parcels of land are under contract with developers, and one is expected to commence construction as early as this autumn. Additionally, two more lots have expressions of interest, according to Tim Rypma, manager of District Developers.
Paving the way is a project by Lifestyle Communities, based in Minneapolis. They propose the construction of two six-story multifamily structures along the borders of a site situated between Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway and Elm Street, contiguous to Southeast Fourth Street. The northern structure is anticipated to encompass approximately 7,000 square feet of commercial space, remarked Vice President Ben Landhauser.
This will be the inaugural new construction in the thriving 11-block area south of East Village — previously an industrial region — that has experienced demolitions, roadway enhancements, and utility developments in the past two years in preparation for revitalization.
“It’s monumental. It’s our primary vertical development,” Rypma remarked. “We consider ourselves horizontal developers in this location. Acquiring land, clearing it, collaborating with every utility one can conceive. It was a bit like the Wild West down there.”
Lifestyle Communities is a relatively new name in Des Moines. The organization is currently gearing up to initiate construction on a 52-unit building, row homes, and a mixed-use development named the Artessa on Ingersoll Avenue, which they announced last February. The Artessa is intended to be a cooperative housing community for individuals aged 55 and older, where the units are owner-occupied and residents become shareholders within the cooperative corporation.
Landhauser indicated that one of its Market District buildings will consist of 95 market-rate apartments available for rent. The second will feature 70 units and adopt the group’s self-governing, owner-occupied model catering to seniors.
“In an ideal scenario, that one is likely to launch first thing in 2026,” Landhauser stated regarding the project.
This project would mark Lifestyle Communities’ second venture in Des Moines, significantly enlarging the company’s footprint in central Iowa. Landhauser, an alumnus of Iowa State University who began his career as a town planner for Waukee, expresses pride in this achievement.
“That’s what we’re aiming for,” he asserted.
Other parcels in Market District nearing readiness for development, developer reports
With one lot committed to Lifestyle Communities, another owned by MidAmerican Energy, and three more parcels in the process of being secured, that could leave only four lots available in the Market District. Rypma conversed with the Register following his return from a business trip in St. Louis to advocate for the neighborhood.
“I’m a strong believer in the principle that a deal isn’t finalized until the payment is received,” Rypma stated. “However, the interest has been substantial. We’re thrilled.”
Yet, even though the Market District appears poised for construction to those traveling along Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, Rypma noted that only half of his responsibilities have been completed. All utility and roadwork extending from Southeast Fourth Street to the west is accomplished; his team still has considerable work ahead before they can commence work on the eastern side of Southeast Fourth Street stretching to Southeast Sixth Street.
On the periphery of the untouched area south of East Village lies the Market Building — owned by Christensen Development and awaiting tenants prior to a historic renovation — an office complex, MidAmerican Energy’s almost-finished Two Rivers Park, and an Enterprise Car Rental.
Already established before the district’s emergence are Climb Iowa East Village, which debuted in early 2019, and the previous Peace Tree Brewing, which launched a brewery and taproom in 2017 before shuttering in June. The
Full Court Press dining group — proprietor of Fong’s Pizza, Buzzard Billy’s, and Hessen Haus — is set to take control this spring. The brunch establishment Early Bird launched in October within a historic edifice that was refurbished in 2021, succeeding the previous site of RRACKSS Fine BBQ & Bistro, the barbecue eatery that shuttered earlier this year after itself taking over from Barrel House, which closed in 2023.
How is Lifestyle’s alternative initiative progressing?
Lifestyle Communities is in the process of establishing a sales office at Collaborate DSM across from Artessa’s construction area at the northwest intersection of 31st Street and Ingersoll Avenue, intending to commence construction on its commercial building this spring. The three-story edifice is intended to accommodate offices on the upper levels and a restaurant or retail space on the lower floor.
A four-story residential structure with two levels of subterranean parking along with six rowhomes will follow, featuring communal amenities such as a fitness center, billiards, library, and a makerspace.
However, that phase will have to wait — Lifestyle Communities must sell 50% of the units before initiating construction.
Landhauser anticipates this won’t take long.
“We’re projecting to complete that and be able to proceed with construction this fall or early winter this year,” he remarked.
Addison Lathers covers expansion and development within the Des Moines metro. Contact her at 608-931-1761 and [email protected], and follow her on X at @addisonlathers.
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