A development group is proposing to renovate the one-story building at 213 13th St. in downtown Des Moines. It also is proposing to construct a mixed-use building with at least five stories across the street to the west on 13th Street. Photo courtesy of Google

The Des Moines City Council on Monday will discuss and vote on two preliminary development agreements with developers. 

The agreements are with:

13th & Mulberry LLC
The development group is proposing a $22.7 million project that includes the historic renovation of a one-story brick building at 213 13th St. and the construction of a mixed-use building with at least five stories across the street on the west side of 13th Street.

The project will be completed over two phases, according to a city document. The first phase includes renovating the 15,000-square-foot building, constructed in 1949, for commercial uses. Plans include adding about 30 underground parking spaces.

The second phase includes the construction of a building that would be at least five stories and include 80 apartment units and 3,000 square feet of retail commercial retail space. At least 10% of the apartments would be income-restricted.

The development group includes Josh Aberson of Green Acre Development, Byron Schafersman of Lloyd Cos.; and Tim Rypma of Rypma Properties. The group, 13th & Mulberry LLC, purchased the properties in April 2018 for $1.55 million.

The building at 213 13th St. had previously been occupied by H.B. Leiserowitz Co., which sold and repaired photography equipment. It was originally used as a tractor repair and storage facility, according to a city document.

The council on Monday will consider approving a preliminary development agreement that would provide the developers with financial incentives of up to $5.2 million. 

3801 Grand Associates LP
The development group is proposing a $33.5 million project at 3705-3707 Grand Ave. that would include the construction of a four-story building with 56 apartments, ranging in size from studios to three-bedroom units. The development would also include 69 underground parking spaces.

The three studio apartments would be income-restricted.

Construction of the project by 3801 Grand Associates and Newbury Management Co., managed by Frank Levy, would begin in early 2021 and be completed by early 2022, according to a city document. 

The council on Monday will consider a preliminary development agreement that would include an economic development grant of up to $4.7 million that would be paid with tax increment financing. 

Under the preliminary agreement, Newbury Management would enter into a trial partnership with Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority to provide residents of its four properties located in or near downtown with free access to bus service. The partnership, described by the city as the first of its kind, would begin in January and be available to residents of Newbury’s existing properties as well as the people who work at the properties.

Newbury Management has at least two other properties along Grand Avenue and is constructing an apartment building at East Sixth Street and Martin Luther King Parkway.