To proceed with the rehabilitation of the Sealy Mattress Building, a major project that is expected to create 91 apartments, Hubbell Realty Co. first had to acquire a slice of right of way just a few inches wide.

The old warehouse stands south of downtown at 309 S.W. Eighth St. A plat survey of the property showed that the building, constructed in 1902, encroaches into the Southwest Eighth Street right of way “by 0.4 feet (or about 5 inches) at the northwest corner of the building and by 0.15 feet (or about 2 inches) at the southwest corner of the building,” according to Hubbell’s letter to the Des Moines City Council. The parcel in question is about 240 feet long.

Last week, the council unanimously approved the vacation and conveyance of a parcel extending a few inches beyond the encroachment. Hubbell will pay $1,200 for a total of about 220 square feet, gaining “an easement allowing the encroachment for the life of the building,” in the words of the council’s resolution.