Archive for February, 2010

Feb-16-2010

Another Glowing Article on Des Moines from the NY Times


Here are just a few highlights from the article, you can read the full article online at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/17/realestate/commercial/17desmoines.html.

…recent commercial, residential and retail development in Des Moines, where public and private cooperation has produced a robust urban landscape matched by few cities its size.

…Des Moines was one of a growing number of cities that recognize the potential of downtown development, as well as the urgency of changing economic and political strategies to encourage it.

Des Moines was able to find a nonpartisan formula for making decisions on taxes, infrastructure, parks and housing that support downtown construction. “Des Moines is one of those places that recognized that to pull off being a special place they can be proud of, people have to work together”


Posted under Living Downtown
Tags:
Leave a Comment
Feb-14-2010

Rooftop Terraces Could Provide an Oasis for Downtown Dwellers


It’s hard to believe, but with a lot of downtown developments, developers are not maximizing a huge area of square footage that they have. I’m talking about the roof. Developments that have planned for and provide the rooftop terrace amenity generally sell faster than developments that don’t have a rooftop terrace. Buyers moving from the burbs miss their outdoor spaces. If you are downtown, you may be lucky to get a small balcony, but no true socializing and entertaining outdoor space.

A rooftop terrace should be contemporary in style, and be the ultimate extension of a modern interior. To fit into its urban environment, low-maintenance plants are ideal. I’m personally fan of light colored pavers, large planters, and nice modern loungers and tables, also there’s nothing like a water feature to help drown out noise and provide a beautiful backdrop at night. Here’s some examples of other properties around the country and what they have done.

There’s lots more examples inside… Read the rest of this entry »


Posted under Living Downtown
Tags: | |
View 1 Comment
Feb-5-2010

2010 Downtown Housing Sales Update


2010 is starting off with good sales so far. Let’s hope our housing market turns around this year, last year was pretty dismal, only 33 units sold downtown. Our city leaders should be doing whatever possible to help recruit people to move downtown.

2010 Year-to-Date Downtown Condo Sales:

Date of Sale Property Address Sales Price Condo Building
01-29-2010 300 Walnut Street #709 $105,000 The Plaza
01-13-2010 119 4th Street #407 $289,000 4th & Court Condominiums
01-13-2010 119 4th Street #103 $230,540 4th & Court Condominiums
01-11-2010 300 Walnut Street #1501 $137,500 The Plaza

Posted under Living Downtown
Tags: |
Leave a Comment