Woodland Avenue Brickstone:
A Landmark in Affordable Urban Living
Des Moines, IA • 2003
Summary
Named "One of the Best Affordable Housing Developments of 2004" – Affordable Housing Finance
Located at 1500 Woodland Avenue in the heart of the Historic Sherman Hill Neighborhood, the Woodland Avenue Brickstone is a distinctive blend of modern urban living and classic brownstone design. As HKG Development’s first housing project, its origins are as unique as its architecture—initially sketched on a napkin at a local neighborhood coffee shop.
A Design That Feels Like Home
The Brickstone’s architecture draws inspiration from the pedestrian-friendly charm of Baltimore-style brownstones, seamlessly blending into Sherman Hill’s historic streetscape. Key design elements include:
✔ Dramatic nine-foot ceilings for an open, airy feel
✔ Private garden walk-up patios with direct sidewalk access
✔ Aluminum barn doors separating the living room and bedroom for a modern, loft-like aesthetic
✔ Distinctive townhome-style entryways – 9 separate staircases leading to individual apartments create the feel of separate residences
✔ A striking clock tower serving as a focal point of the building’s brick façade, detailed bay windows, and exterior balconies
Urban Living at Its Best
Offering breathtaking views of Hoyt Sherman Place and the Des Moines skyline, the Woodland Avenue Brickstone combines chic design with unbeatable location. Within walking distance of downtown employers, it provides easy access to work, dining, and entertainment while maintaining a quiet, community-focused atmosphere.
A Model for Mixed-Income Housing
The 56-unit apartment community is a model for inclusive urban housing, featuring 40 market-rate apartments and16 affordable units, ensuring accessibility for a diverse range of residents.
Owned by the Neighborhood Investment Corporation (NIC)—a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening Sherman Hill—the Brickstone has been a success from the beginning, setting the standard for high-quality, affordable, and architecturally distinctive housing in Des Moines.
