We have been honored to be welcomed into so many lovely spots.
Story by Carol McGarvey
Featured in January/February 2021
The Des Moines metro area has a rich housing history—from Foursquare, Queen Anne, and Craftsman bungalow styles in the Sherman Hill Historic District and near Drake University to classic brick Colonials and Tudors of the South of Grand area and Beaverdale bricks in the northwest part of the city.
And from a pocket of Midcentury Modern homes on the west side and brick ranches in Windsor Heights to split foyers in Urbandale, the march of styles as suburbs grew has been an interesting ride. The Des Moines plan two-stories in West Des Moines and classic two-story brick homes in Clive have been followed by Tuscan styles in Ankeny and other areas, plus a variety of mixed styles in Altoona, Bondurant, and other spots.
Add in today’s modern farmhouses and growing contemporary styles all over the metro area, and the history continues. Bring in townhome communities all around the metro and sleek condominiums in downtown Des Moines and the East Village near the Iowa Capitol.
We have been welcomed into all of them to tell the stories of their owners. Our readers have loved the “home tours” we have shown them over two decades. It’s fun to see how other people live and how housing has changed and evolved.
For sure, a major change has been the open-concept layout, which replaces smaller compartmentalized rooms with the great-room idea of combining living, dining, and kitchen spaces. As Iowans took on a more casual lifestyle, formal dining rooms got lost in many home plans.
Another huge change in homes is the increasing use of Smart Home technology—you can raise the blinds, set the temperature, turn on the lights, or open the garage door from a distance away.
It has been a pleasure to work with so many homeowners and talented builders. We feel grateful and privileged. •
