Something I have learned in these past few months, something that I had never noticed in my previous 20+ years here in Des Moines was how much history were in the buildings downtown.  These buildings have been here much longer than I have, and much longer than most of us have been, but I had failed to notice how unique, and important some of these buildings are.

 

I just this week stepped into The Kirkwood for the first time in my life.  This is a building that has been standing in the same place for almost 80 years.  Strange how sometimes it’s the things right in front of you that you fail to notice.

The Kirkwood was originally The Savory Hotel when it was built clear back in 1865.  Yeah, 1865.  The hotel was renamed The Kirkwood Hotel during the Civil War, in honor of the Governor of Iowa.  Then 1929 The Kirkwood burned to the ground in what must have been a massive fire.  At the time the hotel was 5 stories, and I’m sure the good folks of Des Moines didn’t have ladder trucks, fire hydrants, and other fancy equipment that us young wippersnappers have today.

 

 

From the ashes the current building was built, and the size increased to 12 stories.  The building was decorated in art deco style, complete with Phoenix’s carved above the checkin desk.  The builders also decided they didn’t want this new hotel to burn down like the old one, so they decided to make it out of steel and concrete–make it fireproof.

The Kirkwood Hotel recently changed names to “The Kirkwood” as it’s no longer a hotel.  Today 5 condos per floor occupy the space where the hotel rooms used to be.

I will tell you that the people in charge of this project did an outstanding job.  There is no doubt in my mind that this has become one of the premier places to live downtown.

The Kirkwood has a few perks that other buildings just don’t.  First, they have a big, ornate lobby.  The original lobby, you know, from the 1930’s, was restored and it looks fantastic.  They even kept the check-in desk, even though you can’t really check in today.  Perhaps someday it will serve a function (concierge?), but today it just looks cool.

There will also be 2 restaurants at street level in The Kirkwood.  Azalea and Zen Noodle & Sushi Bar will occupy most of the main level.  How cool is that?

The condos are very nice as well.  The elevator has been secured so that only residents can ride upstairs, keeping the patrons of the restaurants out of your home…..Unless you invite them up I guess.  The condos vary in size from studio units that are 900 sq ft, to 2 BR units that are 1,366 sq ft.  And trust me, these condos are nice.  Hardwood floors, huge windows with great views, granite counter tops in the kitchen, and even the studios have big walk in closets.

Did I mention that these units are only available for rent?  Not interested?  Too bad, because rent is only $900 to start, and the big units on the top floor are only $1,550.  Pretty cheap if you ask me, especially when you consider what some of the other buildings are asking for rent.

The condos will be sold in 5 years, in fact there are already renters here that are going to rent for 5 years and then buy their unit at that time.  It’s something I like to call dedication!  The Kirkwood used historic tax credits and thus have to rent the units for 5 years.  Since they’re planning on selling the units they feel much more like a condo that you would buy, than an apartment that you would rent.

Trina Braafhart, the property manager at The Kirkwood, told me that they feel The Kirkwood is a great go between for people interested in moving downtown, but not wanting to downsize into a small, and cheap feeling apartment.  And since you can rent there, The Kirkwood is a great place to “try before you buy” the urban lifestyle that you get when moving downtown.

PROS:

The BEST job at preserving the history of the building of any project downtown to date.

Art Deco lobby with 2 cool restaurants–hello!

Condos are way nicer, cleaner, and richer feeling than what you’d expect from a rental unit.

CONS:

You can only rent.

Dogs allowed up to 35 pounds, so if you have a black lab like me you’re out of luck.  (some people view this as a pro though!)

Parking is next to the building, secured so only building residents can access it.  (I’m really digging here….)

So there you have it.  No joke, The Kirkwood blew me away.  It far exceeded my expectations, and the result is an amazing place to live.  If you haven’t yet seen The Kirkwood, I’ve got a few more invitations available to the Grand Opening on Thursday night, be sure to email me so I can get your RSVP.  (plus free food and drinks!)