The home of the Rev. George B. Peak, a businessman who played a key role in the development of Des Moines, is among the properties recently acquired by Invest DSM.

The house at 1080 22nd St. is on the National Register of Historic Places and, this year, was placed on Des Moines Heritage Trust’s 2024 list of endangered buildings.

The house, which includes Georgian Revival and classical architectural styles, was built in 1900 and featured a two-story-tall semi-circular portico supported by four columns. The portico was removed about 30 years ago, according to the trust. In recent years, a carriage house on the property was razed.

Peak came to Des Moines from Kentucky in 1888. He worked for Equitable Life Assurance and in 1896, founded the Central Life Assurance Society, now known as Athene. Peak was instrumental in building the Insurance Exchange Building at Fifth Street and Grand Avenue and played a large role in the development of Keosauqua Way. Peak also helped persuade the city of Des Moines to buy a 5-acre, heavily treed parcel near 24th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue for a park. The parcel is now Drake Park.

Drake University acquired the property at 1080 22nd St. after Peak’s death in 1923, according to a document tied to the property’s placement on the National Register of Historic Places. For several years, the house was used as a fraternity and then a sorority. It’s not known when Drake University sold the property. In 2011, New Life Center acquired the property, which at some point was converted to multifamily.

Amber Lynch, executive director of Invest DSM, said research is underway to determine whether any other properties acquired by the group are eligible for historic status.

Invest DSM plans on “stabilizing” the Peak Mansion but doesn’t yet have other specific plans, Lynch said. The roof of the house was recently replaced, and when the carriage house was torn down, the boiler was disconnected, she said.

“We want to consult with historic preservationists while developing a plan for this property,” Lynch said.

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