Ingersoll Square Condo/Commercial Project

[Coy_Roy]

ok....and I"m sorry, but 3 stories is weak!!! Come freakn on Des Moines!!!

We are never ever going to greatly improve dm city's population with all these 3 and 4 story units. DM is landlocked and we have to build up. Well, that and we can keep pumping millions and take another decade into hoping that we can annex into warren county.
Please understand that I'm not saying that it has to be 35 or 40 stories(ofcourse that would be nice and god forbid), but 4 stories--right there on mlk and ingersoll---that's nuts!!! We keep doing this and we're just going to have 210,000 population in 10 years, then 215,000 in 20 years--you get the drift??

I'm sure it'll be a nice project, but again, we are cutting ourselves short here.

You hit the nail square as possible again.

At only three whopping stories, even a golden roof wouldn't make a difference.

[Ingersoll1978]

3 stories is better than an empty lot or the proposal for a McDonalds.

[westisbest]

Just out of curiosity, would this group in general rather have three 10-story buildings or ten 3-story buildings?

[NOG]

I would rather have one 30-Story building. To answer your question, I would prefer prefer 3 10-story buildings over 10 3-Story buildings.

[billiardbaby9]

Actually Ingersoll I do have some information on what style the developemnt will probably be, but can't disclose all the details yet. I really think that you will be suprised and pleased with the amount of effort Grand Avenue Developers are committed to making this project really great. (despite it's "short-comings")

As for the continued growth of our metro area- I really believe that the more success these local developers have, the better our chances become for taller and larger projects. As we (des moines) are being watched by developers from out of state and such, we will become more appealing to outside investors & businesses which will bring more money and people to our city. Which in turn, means more people who can afford to purchase at a higher price range. I think you can see the positive impact that supporting our current real estate projects will eventually have on the overall development of our great city.

[Ingersoll1978]

I personally think this is a great project...period. I think what has been proposed is well above my expectations, and is appropriate for this lot. We haven't even seen a rendering yet guys.

This is a $30 million dollar project (which I believe is the largest price tag on a single residential development in the metro currently)...it's going to turn out looking good.

[Coy_Roy]

Just to clarify --- I was talking about income diversity in my post. However, DSM proper is far more racially diverse than other areas in Central Iowa as well. If you shopped at the Ingersoll Dahls, you'd think DSM was a VERY diverse town. 1/2 the students in DSM Public Schools are minorities.

But anyway ... I think a building this size is appropriate for the lot. Build too much bigger and you'd need too many parking spaces. I do think we could use more high rises downtown and on Grant, but for this site, I am okay with the height.

Its not too tough to beat out the rest of Central Iowa in the diversity department.

Des Moines is still less diverse than most Chicago suburbs, sure, we have some minorities, but no diversity among minorities. If you understand, and they are still not generally accepted well in the suburban areas.

[mistertwister]

Give me a break Coy. We don't have a lot of minorities in West Des Moines because.....There aren't a lot of minorities living in Iowa.

You are ignorant my young man, and that is no way to go through life.

[ShermanHill1980]

I guess this is a question for billiardbaby, With this development being part of the Sherman Hill neighborhood, will it have to meet any extra design standards? Are we talking along the looks of the new brownstones along Woodland?

[Coy_Roy]

Give me a break Coy. We don't have a lot of minorities in West Des Moines because.....There aren't a lot of minorities living in Iowa.

You are ignorant my young man, and that is no way to go through life.

I thought your block in West Des Moines was "diversity row".

Now, I bring up that there really aren't many like you tried saying earlier (which debunks your previous theory) and "ignorant" is the best retort you can formulate.

[mistertwister]

I hate to get off topic here but If Ingersoll and Ryan will indulge me just a little......

Coy...you are young. You will grow older and hopefully wiser. When you do, hopefully we can have an intellectually honest conversation. Until then, it really isn't worth my time and energy or this boards trying to convince you to tone down the rhetoric you spew as gospel.

My advise to you. Read more. post less. And pleas stop trying to make equivalencies between cities with millions of people and our little corner of the world.

[Coy_Roy]

First off, I'm not the one who ever makes the equivalencies, thats the "Polk County for Life" attitude or "The Planets Revolve around Jordan Creek" theory believers that I call out for making absurd statements at times. It feels like everyone is so uptight about even the smallest tidbit of criticism towards anything that someone else does see eye-to-eye with them on. To make things better, you need to address whats wrong first, and I've been the only one truthful enough to admit that.

You seem like a nice guy and I got no problem with you. I only think you made a statement that you knew didn't hold up well, I pointed that out, and you started calling me young and ignorant because it was the easiest thing to do. I don't consider you to be part of the crowd of everyone here that will agree with each other no matter what. You are a sophisticated gentlemen.

[Ingersoll1978]

ONCE AGAIN...Keep posts on topic. If they aren't on topic, I'm just going to delete them. This is a question that would probably be ignored due to the bickering about diversity.

I guess this is a question for billiardbaby, With this development being part of the Sherman Hill neighborhood, will it have to meet any extra design standards? Are we talking along the looks of the new brownstones along Woodland?

[billiardbaby9]

This new development is not a part of Sherman Hills. (at least that's what I've been told) It may be in the neighborhood, but does not fall within the restrictive guidelines for development. It is my understanding that they are researching different styles, exterior finishes, etc. As soon as those decisions are made we will have a rendering.

[Glass Shoppe Guy]

Anybody know when this is going to get started? I have been by there recently, but didn't notice anything going on. Could be I was just oblivious to it since I had just come through the new roads that had opened and was excited about that...

[Ingersoll1978]

The timeline hasn't been announced yet. They just bought the property last month. A rendering should be coming soon though...

[DMRyan]

Official word from the Register, and the developer is releasing the plans tomorrow:

Project to mix housing, retail

Developers plan to build
the $40 million endeavor
on five acres at the corner of Ingersoll Avenue and MLK Jr. Parkway.

By JASON CLAYWORTH
REGISTER STAFF WRITER
June 14, 2005

Developers will publicly unveil plans Wednesday for a nearly $40 million condo, apartment and retail project that will extend Ingersoll Avenue's shopping district and border the Sherman Hill historic neighborhood near downtown Des Moines.

"I think it's going to be neat," said Mary Reavely, a Sherman Hill resident and former president of the neighborhood association. "I'm excited that it's not going to be weeds anymore."

The proposed project is at the corner of Ingersoll Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, the former site of a car lot.

The location is near downtown and Gray's Lake Park, but weeds and broken concrete slabs have occupied the spot for nearly a decade. That will change late this year if city leaders approve redevelopment plans for the five-acre spot proposed by Des Moines developers Craig Mettille and Bob Caluzzi.

"We look at it as downtown living without being downtown," Caluzzi said. "You're not going to have the train whistles or the loud music to contend with it. You can walk to all the functions but not be in the center of it."

Construction of the project is expected to begin late this year and take between 18 and 24 months to complete. The condos will likely sell between $140,000 and $222,000. Retail tenants have not yet been identified, developers said.

Mettille and Caluzzi are the developers of two recent Des Moines condo projects, 3031 and 2901 Grand Ave.

They, along with local developer John Kline, recently paid $2.5 million for the Ingersoll/MLK site, where they plan to construct 120 condos and 75 apartments. They also plan shopping space on the first floor along the Ingersoll Avenue side.

"We can see Ingersoll in 10 years just being Des Moines' version of Rodeo Drive," Mettille said.

A convenience store company had an option to purchase the land, Mettille said. His group bought the five-acre site after the convenience store option was unsuccessful.

Rick Clark, Des Moines' assistant city manager, said he will work with the developers to determine how much in city subsidies may be available for the project, in addition to tax abatement.

The recently completed $130 million Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway and improvements to the nearby Gray's Lake Park have made the site more attractive, he noted.

"It's a very prominent location there," Clark said. "Our preference has always been that it would be developed with something like what is proposed."

Mettille and Caluzzi launched construction of the three-story stone and stucco condo project at 2901 Grand Ave. more than two years ago. Construction of a larger condo project at 3031 Grand will be finished this summer. At least 32 of the 54 condos in their latest project have already sold.

The proposed project along Ingersoll is not officially within Sherman Hill boundaries, which means designs do not need the approval of the city's historic preservation commission. The commission evaluates almost all exterior building construction and improvement plans in the city's historic areas to ensure they conform with various standards.

Developers, however, pledge to try to work out design concerns that may arise from residents or city leaders. The Ingersoll project's brick exterior, flat roofs and some underground parking will fit well with the neighborhood's character, they said.

"We're going to do all that we can to conform with the neighborhood," Mettille said.

Matt Meline, Ingersoll Area Association president, said members of his group have not seen the plans but are excited about the preliminary details that have drifted through the neighborhood.

"Anything with housing sounds attractive," Meline said.

Sherman Hill Neighborhood Association president Deb Copeland said her group agreed last week to support the project's zoning request. She noted that the cost of the condos is more affordable than many built downtown.

[Ingersoll1978]

Very exciting. $40 million is quite an investment on this lot.

A convenience store company had an option to purchase the land, Mettille said. His group bought the five-acre site after the convenience store option was unsuccessful.

Hummmmmm...that would've looked great with the physicians building across the street. What we are getting is much better than anything imagined. A win/win for this neighborhood and Des Moines.

[DMRyan]

Just a few comments I have about the project after reading this:

There was mention in the article about a convienence store buying the property. Can you imagine a QuikTrip and a McDonalds on this corner??

I think we're ending up with what sounds like the perfect project on this lot (sorry dmluvr, no midrises), and it really sinks in now how much Knapp screwed up what could've been a hell of an intersection with his medical clinic development across MLK. Sure, there's still land to develop on the west side of MLK, but it's Knapp--our perennial developer with absolutely no vision.

The underground parking, more affordable condos, and the large amount of retail in this development sound awesome.
I hope they choose a brick/stone design for this site too. It may not technically be in Sherman Hill, but let's pay some homage to the area by not building something too out of place.

After hearing more details, I'm more excited about this project than I was before.

[Young DSM Social Club]

I'd love to know the story of WHY the convenience store was unsuccessful. Did Sherman Hill fight it? I did hear they have fought attempts to put a convenience store up near the Interstate/Cottage Grove area once that area is able to developed.

I've never understood why Sherman Hill hasn't made attempts to expand the historic boundaries. Anybody know?

[mistertwister]

Looks like we dodged a bullet with this one.

I really like the enthusiasm these guys bring to the city, although the Rodeo drive comment is sure to get a few posts from Coy/Style or DSMceleb.

Can't wait to see the renderings.

[Centro_Cafe]

Ingersoll is booming more than ever right now, the new development is a great boost for the metro.

[dmluvr]

It does sound really exciting. I just want to see the renderings!!!
Here's my question. Who was the f**k that had the idea for a gas station there?? Oh my god people, seriously, how many more years to we have to deal with complete and total retarded people who think of this stuff??

I'm so glad the gas station fell through. (i can't beleive that was even considered) This will add more to ingersoll and I also hope that the street scapes get rolling as well w/ in the next year or two........errrr...errr 5

[NOG]

Well I went to a meeting tonight where they discussed the change they want in zoning for this project and the project itself. I got a very in depth description of this developement and got to see the conceptual plan (sorry no renderings yet). I think alot of you are going to be really surprised with the scale of this developement.

For the large residential building on the north 2/3 of the property, they are looking at doing a building with a wharehouse feel to it, with brick and galvanized steel siding at 3 stories. Underground parking will be underneath the entire building.

On the south 1/3 of the property they are hoping to build two four story mixed use buildings with commercial on the ground floor and 3 floors of residential. These building will be right on Ingersoll with parking in back and possibly underground. Access to the property will be from Ingersoll and 19th St.

All in all, I am very impressed and very excited about this project. This is exactly how all projects on Ingersoll should be done, especially the mixed use buildings adjoining the street.

[dmluvr]

Right on!!! sounds great, I thought renderings were going to be released yesterday?? I really am excited about renderings!!

Where's ingersoll ethusastic love on this???

[Ingersoll1978]

My love for this project is all over the place! I can't wait to see what it will look like. From what NOG has said...it sounds like quite a nice project that kinda blends the downtown and Ingersoll areas together. I'm still in awe of the $40 million price tag. This will be a quality development(Waterstreet was $20 million).

[Ingersoll1978]

Looks like these will be quite affordable. Where is the rendering???

Council sees potential in site
Leaders' move assists development of $40 million project at Ingersoll and MLK

By CHRISTINA SMITH
REGISTER STAFF WRITER

January 17, 2006

Des Moines city leaders are one step closer to ensuring development will occur in a blighted block of land near Sherman Hill.

The City Council named nearly five acres on the northeast corner of Ingersoll Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway as an enterprise zone, a state designation that encourages reinvestment and offers tax incentives to developers. The site, just east of the former home of Stew Hansen's Dodge City, has been vacant for more than a decade.

The enterprise zone designation must be approved by the Iowa Department of Economic Development, which will vote this month on the city's application.

Des Moines developers Craig Mettille and Bob Caluzzi, who purchased the land about seven months ago, are interested in redeveloping the property into a nearly $40 million condominium, apartment and retail project.

Caluzzi said the plans include 138 loft-style condominiums with underground parking, a workout facility, a pool and a courtyard. The condominiums, he said, will range in price from $120,000 to $200,000. The plans also include a mixed-use building with first-floor commercial space and three floors of loft-style apartments to rent. He hopes to break ground in March.

A major benefit of an enterprise zone, acting city manager Rick Clark said, is that it allows property owners to apply for tax credits for building or renovating homes and locating or expanding businesses.

"Creating an enterprise zone would make the ability to develop the property easier," Clark said, "and in the end give us a far better development there."

Caluzzi said the opportunity for tax breaks will help make the project become a reality.

"It's going to help a little bit as far as our site improvements and the cost of building," he said, and savings "could be close to 10 percent of the total cost of the project."

Most of the downtown area already is a designated enterprise zone, Clark said. The city previously has designated an agribusiness enterprise zone on the city's east and southeast sides, an Enterprise Community enterprise zone north of downtown, and the Gateway enterprise zone downtown. The Ingersoll area under consideration would bring the total area of enterprise zones to 3,746 acres countywide.

Information provided to the City Council in December said the area meets the state's eligibility criteria for a designated enterprise zone, because 11.9 percent of nearby housing units are vacant and portions of the adjacent neighborhood are blighted, deteriorated and have been vacant for more than five years.

Clark said he hopes that by encouraging redevelopment on that block, the Ingersoll corridor will become more defined.

"We've made some investments in the area, so we believe it's a very strategic property and want to see it developed properly," Clark said. "It will be something thousands of people drive by every day."

[Ingersoll1978]

Should this topic be listed in the Downtown Category? It just doesn't really feel like it's outside of downtown to me...it's on the edge...but east of MLK. Thoughts?

[DMRyan]

I would agree, the boundary commonly used for the western end of downtown is MLK.

I'll go ahead and move this topic to that section.

[dmluvr]

sounds like a hot project--any word on renderings to be released??!!