WHAT: The Aston, a proposed 186-unit mixed use project
WHERE: 603 E. Sixth St., Des Moines
DEVELOPER: Heart of America Group
DEVELOPMENT COSTS: Estimated $44 million
WHAT’S NEW: The Des Moines Urban Development Review Board on Tuesday approved the preliminary design of the Aston, a proposed project that would be built on the site where the American College of Hairstyling had been located.

Construction is expected to begin in spring 2024 with completion slated in late 2025.
The project is expected to include 186 apartment units and at least 7,000 square feet of street-level commercial space.

The structure will be built with durable steel and concrete construction materials, according to information provided to the board. Exterior materials are expected to include a mix of brick, architectural metal panel, stone, simulated wood siding panel and large spans of window glazing. Amenities will include a dog run, patio seating, outdoor kitchen areas, fire pits and a bocce ball court.

Inset parallel parking spaces are proposed to be constructed on East Sixth and Des Moines streets. The structure will also include 184 first-floor and underground parking spaces.
Information provided to the board included updated architectural renderings of the proposed project.

Related article: 186-unit apartment project planned in area ripe for redevelopment