Callender
Callender, IA · Real Estate
The Des Moines Register
Vacant Wells Fargo tower could be replaced by boutique hotel by 2027
Work on converting a former Wells Fargo office building in downtown Des Moines into a 157-room hotel could begin by late 2026. The date was part of information submitted to the Des Moines City Council, which on Monday, Aug. 3, is slated to consider preliminary terms of a development agreement. It would include a tax incentive for the estimated $48 million project at 206 Eighth St. The top floor of the proposed Marriott Le Méridien boutique hotel would include a bar and restaurant, according to memo to the council from the city's economic development office . Plans for the 11-story building also call for a wellness spa, conference space, ground-floor food and beverage service and a skywalk connection. An application for the office-to-hotel reuse of the 188,796-square-foot building was submitted in March 2025, followed by Wells Fargo selling the structure to DMCRE2 LLC the following August . DMCRE2 's managing partner, Jonathan Koester, president of Koester Development, is seeking $3.9 million through tax increment financing, or TIF, over 21 years, according to the memo. The economic development tool diverts increases in property taxes resulting from investment back into the project to help offset costs. The financial assistance would account for
Des Moines Business Record
Davidson building fire sets Jeff Stanbrough on an unexpected restoration path
A fire on the third floor of the Davidson building in 2024 nudged developer Jeff Stanbrough into a project he never expected to undertake: a historic renovation. Stanbrough, a third-generation developer, acquired the three-story, 125-year-old building at 108 Third St. in late 2021. The building’s main tenant was Saxton Furniture, which occupied street-level space. Other tenants were on the second and third floors. In spring 2024, what began as a remodeling project to expand space for a tenant unexpectedly changed course. Work came to a halt when stain-soaked rags left by a painter spontaneously combusted, sparking a fire on the building’s third floor.
Des Moines Business Record
NOTABLE TRANSACTIONS: 3 commercial properties in Ankeny sold
Three commercial properties in Ankeny have new owners, Polk County real estate records show. The transactions include:. Jeffrey Paul Homes LLC, located in Ankeny, acquired property at 1850 SW Plaza Shops Lane from Classic Holdings 1850 LLC for just over $2 million. The property includes a 6,784-square-foot neighborhood shopping center in the Prairie Trail development. The property, developed in 2014, is valued at $1.4 million. Jeffrey Paul Homes LLC is a real estate investor that has acquired mostly residential properties in recent years. The entity’s transaction in Ankeny was recorded July 21.
Des Moines Business Record
127-room boutique hotel proposed for former downtown Wells Fargo building
Construction on the proposed redevelopment of one of the former Wells Fargo buildings downtown into a boutique hotel could begin later this year, according to city staff documents. The conversion of the building at 206 Eighth St. will be on the Des Moines City Council agenda Monday when the council...
WHO 13
Waukee Towne Center sets 2027 grand opening
WAUKEE, Iowa — A new development in Waukee has set a grand opening for 2027. Waukee Towne Center is a 335,000-square-foot, 62-acre development located at the intersection of Hickman Road and Alice’s Road. The project has been touted as a premier destination full of retail, dining, and entertainment. “Waukee Towne Center is designed to be […]
Des Moines Business Record
Late 2027 completion targeted for Line 7 multifamily development in Urbandale
The proposed Line 7 multifamily development in Urbandale took a step forward recently with the city council’s approval of the site plan for the project. The city council also approved the preliminary and final plats for the development at its July 20 meeting. Line 7 will feature 225 apartments over five buildings.
The Des Moines Register
Polk County's largest home hits market
Des Moines Business Record
Residential building permits rise 26% as local builders shift strategies
The first six months of 2026 saw a 26% increase in the number of residential building permits issued by 16 communities surveyed by the Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines, data released by the group shows. Between January and June, 1,393 permits for single-family and townhomes were issued, 289...
Radio Iowa
Boone, Grinnell, Le Mars and Maquoketa recognized for housing efforts
Four of the state’s towns are being singled out as Iowa Thriving Communities, what recognizes innovation and commitment to advancing housing opportunities for all. The designations for Boone, Grinnell, Le Mars and Maquoketa come from the Iowa Finance Authority and the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Le Mars community development...
kniakrls.com
Newton Developer Wants To Renovate Abandoned Apartments On Newton’s Square
A former Newton City official who co-owns a real estate development and consulting firm in Altoona wants to bring back to life over a dozen apartments on the east side of Newton’s downtown square. Brian Friedman says his company, Goldfinch Growth, is going after a Community Development Block Grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority, to help fund the renovation of the apartments at 104 First Avenue East.
Des Moines Business Record
Report: Des Moines area’s multifamily sector remains strong
Strong population and employment growth over the past decade has helped the Greater Des Moines area absorb a wave of new apartment construction while keeping occupancy high and rents climbing, according to a recently released multifamily market report from CBRE. In the past 10 years, the Des Moines area has...
Des Moines Business Record
Hubbell Realty sells Edencrest senior living properties to Welltower
An Ohio-based real estate investment trust has acquired Hubbell Realty Co.’s portfolio of Edencrest senior living communities, ending Hubbell’s 15-year investment in developing and expanding the brand, real estate records show. Welltower Inc., an S&P 500 company headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, paid Hubbell Realty nearly $133.9 million for...
rejournals.com
QT Commercial adds business development specialist in Des Moines office
QT Commercial hired Trent Drake for a new Business Development role, supporting the company’s continued growth throughout Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska. Based in Des Moines, Iowa, Trent will focus on building relationships with property owners, facility managers, commercial real estate professionals, and industry partners while expanding QT Commercial’s presence across the Heartland.
travelmag.com
This Iowa Community Gives Retirement Savings More Breathing Room
I have always thought retirement math should leave room for more than staring suspiciously at the grocery receipt. You start comparing towns, and suddenly every housing payment, medical bill, and grocery run begins auditioning for a role in your future budget. Then Iowa offers a quieter possibility where daily life...