One of the first things Mike Whalen tells people about the Tempo is that it is built like a fortress.

The seven-story residential and commercial project is constructed with insulated concrete form walls that not only provide good insulation but also act as a sound barrier. Floors are also made with concrete.

“You cannot hear outside noise here,” said Whalen, founder of Heart of America Group, which owns and operates hotels, restaurants and other commercial developments. “It’s a fortress. And that means it’s not only a fortress in sound transmission but it’s a fortress in energy levels.”

The 110-unit Tempo, at 317 E. Sixth St., opened on Aug. 1. Units range from studio size to two-bedrooms. All include washers and dryers, walk-in closets, spacious kitchens and patios. The development also includes a patio with grilling stations, swimming pool, community room and four parking spaces to charge electric vehicles.

Construction began in the summer of 2022. Building permits for the project placed its value just over $20 million.

The Tempo is Heart of America’s first, newly constructed residential mixed-use project. (It is converting two buildings in Chicago to residential uses.) A second, similar residential project called the Aston is planned at 603 E. Sixth St. Whalen said he is hopeful construction will begin on the 186-unit project yet this year.

Both projects are in Des Moines’ East Village neighborhood, which includes restaurants and bars, boutique shops, hotels and residences. The Tempo’s units, depending on their location in the building, offer views of the Iowa State Capitol building, the downtown skyline and Principal Park.

The Tempo’s concrete walls and floors are a key sustainability element of the residential and commercial project, Whalen said.

“It’s nice to talk about [electric vehicle] charging stations and no gas [appliances] and other things like that,” Whalen said. “But really, sustainability starts with how you build the building. … This building will be here for a long time. It won’t be torn down in 50 years and put in a landfill.”

The Aston will also be constructed with insulated concrete walls and concrete floors, Whalen said. “It costs more, but we’re long-term holders [of developments], which makes us different than others.”

Whalen describes the Tempo as “upscale” and sophisticated. Monthly rental rates start at $1,100 for a studio apartment; a two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit on the seventh floor is over $3,500 a month. Ceilings are 9 feet high; windows are abundant in the units.

“We wanted to do a project that was more upscale,” Whalen said. “I think people are looking for something a little bit different, more unique. We’re already over 40% occupied, so I think we are on to something.”

Residents of the Tempo will have access to Pace317, a boutique fitness club that will open in September in 4,200 square feet of street-level space. The fitness club, which is owned and operated by Heart of America Group, will be available to residents and will also be open to members of the public who purchase monthly memberships.

Not every apartment resident wants use of a fitness center, Whalen said. “If you said it’s open to everybody, you have to build that into rent. We’re not doing that. Residents will get a discount.”

Coming Aug. 23: Be sure to check out the Aug. 23 Business Record to learn more about the Tempo mixed-use development and view additional photos.

Listen to Mike Whalen explain how Heart of America Group’s new mixed-use project, the Tempo, is built “like a concrete tank.”