I’d like to introduce you to Trina Braffhart, the property manager at The Kirkwood.  She was kind enough to allow us to interview her and do a little feature about her on the site.

How long have you been associated with The Kirkwood?

I started hunting down the owners of the Kirkwood last summer when I visited the property with a Downtown Community Alliance tour.  I fell completely head over heels for this beautiful historic preservation project that right away I began knocking on doors.  Finally in November of 2006 – after holding several people hostage, they relented and offered me the position of property manager.

What is your favorite part about being the property manager there?

I thoroughly enjoy managing a property that is so completely rich in history and beauty.  I also enjoy working with people who love and appreciate living downtown.

What is your favorite thing about The Kirkwood?

Where do I begin!?  The Kirkwood has some of the most wonderful and rich art deco architecture.  What other property downtown gives you such a perfect mix of the old with the new?  Not to mention two fantastic restaurants in the lobby!

The location can’t be any better as well.  Right in the heart of downtown on 4th and Walnut – diversity and culture all in our front yard.  Step out your front door to the Farmers Market, Winefest, NiteFall on the River, Latino Festival, Beerfest, Oktoberfest, the Science Center, the Civic Center – did I mention all of this is right out your front door?  Walk a few short blocks to the Art Festival in the Western Gateway, the Downtown Library, the Temple of Performing Arts, or head east for shopping and entertainment in the Historic East Village.  Being connected to the skywalk during some nasty Iowa winters is a beautiful thing as well.

The units are amazing.  Maple floors, cabinets and doors are a great contrast to the black Corian counter tops and the stainless steel appliances.  The open spacious feel in each individual unit gives it the perfect ‘loft like’ quality with out having to sacrifice comfort or a warm homey feel.

Lots more goodies below– 

Is there anything you’ve been hearing from all the people moving into The Kirkwood this spring?

Parking is a precious commodity downtown, so having a covered private parking garage right next door to the building is a great plus!

The residents love their full fitness center too.  They love the tread mills, elliptical machines, stationary bikes, Nautilus machines and free weights.
The residents also really enjoy the open floor plans of their units and the fantastic views of downtown.

What should people know about The Kirkwood that they don’t already know?

The VIEWS!  We have some of the most spectacular views of downtown Des Moines, the Capitol, Principal Park, plus you can see the Des Moines river from the north and the south.  And let’s not forget about the clock tower on the court house, and a really beautiful downtown sky line.  First time I saw the views through our incredible huge windows – I was hooked!

Does The Kirkwood still have condo units available?

We have some studios still available, and when I say studio – it is really the size of your average 2 bedroom, just minus the walls and doors.  Perfect loft like feel and extremely open!  The square footage for these studios is 869 feet.

We also have a few large one bedrooms available, which are beyond generous in square footage – 1324 sq ft.  They come with two bathrooms and two walk in closets, allowing for the potential of a second bedroom.

How does one set up a tour to view The Kirkwood?

You can contact me, the property manager via email : Kirkwood@conlinproperties.com

or by phone at: 515-991-9072 to schedule an appointment.

What do the condos at The Kirkwood rent for, what size are they, and what’s included in the rent?

We have four different sizes to choose from at the Kirkwood (if available) and the rent prices increase the higher you are in the building, due to the superior views.  There are 12 stories total in our building.

Our smallest size is a studio that is 869 sq ft and the rents begin at: $850 up to $1075

Our next size is a larger studio that is 923 sq ft and that rent begins at: $900 and goes up to $1100.

We have a 1 bedroom that is 1150 sq ft and the rent for that unit begins at: $1150 up to $1350.

Next we have a much larger one bedroom that is 1324 sq ft with rent starting at: $1350 up to $1550.

We only have 11 two bedrooms and those units are 1366 sq ft with rents beginning at: $1350 maxing at $1550.

Is there anyway that one can schmooze the property manager?

Schmooze a property manager? That is a very good question. I can not speak for others – but the number one way to schmooze this manager is to share in her passion for historic preservation and the revitalizing of our beautiful downtown neighborhoods!

And lastly, what’s your favorite thing about downtown Des Moines?

That is a tough one!  The art, history, diversity, culture, architecture, beauty and most of all……THE PEOPLE!