Featuring, and Written By Kim Miller

I grew up in Des Moines, but had not been back for many years.  I kept hearing about how cosmopolitan downtown had become, but didn’t really believe it until I came for a visit last summer.  Boy, has the city grown.  I was really impressed by the new Science Center, Wells Fargo Arena, East Village shops, bike/walking trails, and on and on.  But mostly I was surprised by the availability of affordable, convenient housing downtown. 

I have lived in sleepy SW Florida for the last 7 years, and was definitely ready for a change, so over the next several months I researched every downtown Des Moines loft project via internet(isn’t the internet great?).  When I returned in December to tour the projects I was interested in, I was blown away by the Mulberry Lofts, which had everything I was looking for: dog-friendly (I have two Italian Greyhounds), great location (walking distance to restaurants, sky walk and most importantly , Starbucks!), and the units themselves have the “cool-factor” I’d always imagined in a loft.  I love the vintage/industrial look of the concrete floors, paint-chipped columns and exposed brick, yet the reliability of all-new kitchen appliances and bathroom fixtures.  Throw in a great floorplan, built-in room divider and gorgeous view of the city, and I’m sold!

I closed on my unit in February, but needed to wrap up some things in Florida work-wise, so I’ve only stayed in my loft 3 nights.  So far, I only have a bed and one chair!  I recently discovered the Downtown Des Moines Blog, and have become a faithful reader, making notes on things to do once I get there.  I am looking forward to a summer filled with I-Cubs games, farmers markets and all sorts of exciting things.

The good news is, I’m finally set to make the big move in less than 2 weeks.  I can’t wait.  Look out downtown Des Moines, I’m a-comin‘!

A big thank you to Kim for sharing her story on the big move back to Des Moines! –Josh