Des Moines Celebrates Neighborhood Restoration

Six homes in Des Moines' River Bend neighborhood opened the doors to their renovated properties this weekend. The annual tour was a huge success this year. The expectations were for about 300 people, but on Saturday alone, one homeowner reported over 260 tours.

The River Bend neighborhood is between 2nd Ave and 9th St, and University Ave and Hickman Rd. Bordering downtown Des Moines on the south. Settled in the late 1800's by the most affluent families of Des Moines. Time and suburban life have taken their toll on the River Bend neighborhood. The once majestic houses sat boarded up until the late 1990's when the restoration began.

Carolyn Jenison and Angela Thorne own one of the homes undergoing renovation. I asked each of them what the hardest part of the renovation process was, "Removing the asbestos," replied Carolyn. Luckily, they know how to do it correctly and saved thousands of dollars by doing the painful process themselves. "...And the dust in general. Try wearing a black business suit covered in white drywall dust!" Angela said the tedious work of pulling staples and nails was the worst part.

The home renovation efforts have certainly paid off for the pair. The result is a beautiful three story Colonial style home built in 1896 for Edward E. Temple, founder of The Banker's Life (now Principal Financial). The home was sold after Temple's death in 1909. The house underwent a series of renovations from a nursing home to apartments. Jenison and Thorne purchased the home in 1999 and the renovation began immediately.

The challenge for the owners of a historical home is finding the right mix of past, present and future. The kitchen is the obvious update for every home renovation. Homeowners can either stay with the look of yesteryear through faucets and farm style sinks, or completely modernize.

Paint colors and finishes help ease the eye from a room of historic importance to a modern setting. Choosing bold paint colors also hides imperfections in walls and woodwork. A contrasting color on the ceiling makes it appear higher and brighter. Painting wood flooring saves thousands on refinishing.

The River Bend Neighborhood Restoration Project in Des Moines is just one of many funded projects hoping to rejuvenate inner city neighborhoods. The homes are diamonds in the rough.