Development

I transform once-grand houses into beautiful homes that integrate old world charm with modern amenities and technology.

Current Inventory/For Sale

We are underway on few properties located in Drake Park & Columbus Park.

127 E Livingston

988 26th st is an Arts and Crafts 1.5-sty home equipped with a primary suite on the main floor, a state-of-the-art kitchen, and second-floor laundry. Construction is underway and should be ready for a new homeowner in late 2024. This home is located in Drake Park and is one of many properties undergoing massive rehabilitation.

Invest DSM - Sequel Architecture - Alt Design Studio

127 E Livingston Ave is an all-brick home in Columbus Park on the south side. When finished, this home will look similar on the outside and massively reimagined inside. Notable improvements include combining the kitchen and dining to create an open plan, a new primary suite on the second floor, and a new ally load garage.

Invest DSM - Alt Design Studio

Explore our development projects

Completed Projects

Over the last decade in my career a deep passion has emerged towards renovating houses in Des Moines. The houses in really bad shape are the ones I gravitate towards the most. The projects supplement listings inventory each year. Click below to browse my portfolio of competed renovations.

Dogpatch Urban Gardens

Dogpatch Urban Gardens is an urban farm located in Des Moines, IA. We are known for our organically grown salad greens as well as other seasonal crops. We also have an Airbnb on site and host agri-inspired events such as our Farmstand to Fork Dinner series or DUG Unplugged.

DUG is a joint venture with my main boss…my wife, Jenny! Jenny oversees all business, marketing, retail, farming, co-packing, and operational activities. My contribution is to handle our property development activities. 

As you can imagine, transforming an empty parcel of land into a working urban farm with multiple growing plots, greenhouses, event spaces, production facilities and retail buildings is challenging. Not to mention restoring the neglected on-site house into a charming Airbnb!

Successfully managing our DUG development requires the same skill sets and activities I apply to all my client-based developments. And while I love all my development projects, there’s something special when the client is your family business!

Click here to read the DUG Story.

Before After
We transformed an empty lot into a working urban farm, retail garden center and Airbnb.

It’s not a house, it’s a home

I believe that many of the best houses in Des Moines were built decades ago. But too many of these properties have fallen victim to neglect, shoddy maintenance or simple old age. That's where I come in. I find houses whose souls have been buried by years of neglect and bring them back to life as unique, artful, and soulful living spaces.

Specializing in the Beaverdale, Oak Park, Waterbury, Drake Park, and near downtown Des Moines neighborhoods, I celebrate (not obliterate) the unique character of each property I restore. I transform once-grand houses into beautiful homes that integrate old world charm with modern amenities and technology.

The Process

More than slapping on a new coat of paint, I am always trying to ferret out the charm of the property; then figure out how to optimize its potential through contemporary architectural, design and construction practices. I don’t stop until each property is transformed into a soulful living space that inspires its new owner to create the life they desire.

To insure great design and quality workmanship, we engage professional architectural firms, design agencies, and building trade contractors on each project. Whenever possible these projects come with a 10 year tax abatement on the improved value as well.

I love grand reveals! And I’m especially proud of our 2025 37th Street project reveal.