RenovateDSM.com - Image - Comments

I have bookcases similar to

Anonymous — Sun, 22 May 2011 20:40:01 -0700

I have bookcases similar to these in our craftsmans style home. Ours have been painted white, they were originally very dark wood. I really love craftsman style homes!

Daughter of owner of Roadside Settlement

Anonymous — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 18:42:24 -0800

Thank you guys soo much for the great compliments. What we are planning on doing is where the auditorium is having it for people to rent out such as wedding receptions, etc. Possible renting space to law firms. As it will be the "new east village"..

Owner

Anonymous — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 17:38:31 -0800

last I knew property was owned by Jack Rose

Veterans' housing

Anonymous — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 11:33:19 -0700

Fort Des Moines was open for veterans' housing after WWII. I lived in the building at 45 Dickman across the street from the present Fort Des Moines Museum. Other families lived in the building above. We all attended Army Post School I and II which were on the other side of the parade ground. The parade ground was edged with huge, beautiful trees at that time.
I understand that there are plans to save these buildings and revive some of the parade ground area as a park. I hope that can be accomplished.

Terry Smith Gillam

Veterans' housing

Anonymous — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 11:23:17 -0700

I lived at the Fort from about 1945 - 1952 when it had been opened for veterans' housing after the war. We lived on Dickman and Eltinge, but I have a friend who lived in one of the other buildings on Allen Circle. I hope some photos and memories will be added to the exhibits at the Fort Des Moines Museum. I am trying to help Michael Kates, curator, track down some of those who lived at the Fort in addition to me and my friend. If you have any names, photos or information, please send to Michael Kates at the museum.

Thank you.

Veteran's housing after the war

Anonymous — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 11:15:00 -0700

I lived in the former officers' housing upstairs at 45 Dickman. This photo looks like my memory of our apartment where I played with my sister who was a toddler who crawled in and out of the cupboards.

Lustron Homes

Anonymous — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 11:37:36 -0700

I love these Lustron homes! My Grandfather built several of the extant homes here in Des Moines, and I remember the stories he told of the nightmares that these could be to put together. IIRC, one of the biggest problems was getting a suitable concrete pad, as the modular nature of the homes did not allow for ANYTHING to be out of square.
---Matthew Krantz

Thank You

Anonymous — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 09:37:23 -0700

Neja and I, along with our staff, everyone at The Kathedral and the tweeners who will eventually enjoy the "Filling Station," want to thank you for all of your help and support to make this move happen. We especially want to acknowledge everyone at the City of Des Moines for making this difficult task as easy as possible.

This historic Continental station is safely resting in our parking lot, awaiting one final move. Our faith, like many of yours, is set on the lot at 18th and Crocker where Sherman Hill’s original service station was located. As we take additional steps toward accomplishing this goal, we look forward to your additional support.

Pastor Kenney Linhart
901 19th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50314
www.thekathedral.com

Further deterioration

Anonymous — Fri, 07 May 2010 11:40:58 -0700

There doesn't appear to have been any work on this building since it was put on the list. Now there is a notice posted to removed the garage due to safety issues and a posted tax sale. There is a large piece of plywood over some of the windows and there is further deterioration. Someone, some group, publicity, is needed. Any ideas? Maybe a move to Living History Farms or to Beaverdale Park to be used as a shelter? Any ideas?

Update on the Gas Station Move

Anonymous — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 06:41:28 -0800

From the December 17, 2009, Des Moines Register:

A historic East Village gas station spared from the wrecking ball earlier this year has yet to find a permanent home and likely will be moved from the neighborhood.

The gas station, which originally sat at 203 E. Grand Ave., was salvaged by residents interested in preserving its history. It's on a temporary site near the former Bud Mulcahy Jeep dealership at East Third and Walnut streets, and its current owner, antiques collector Jerry Bassman, had planned to move the station near the Northland Dairy building at 621 Des Moines St.

That project has stalled, said Mike Kinter of Kinter Construction, who has arranged for the building's move. He said the building will not stay in the area and that a new deal is in the works.

Preservation Plan

RenovateDSM — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 11:40:43 -0800

In July of 2009, the Des Moines City Council approved a contract with Keffer/Overton Architects to do a historic preservation plan for the remaining buildings at the Fort. Should be a really nice plan and get the preservation of those buildings moving in the right direction.

I know from experience that

RenovateDSM — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:21:34 -0700

I know from experience that it is extremely frustrating to have repeated break-ins. Unfortunately, vacant buildings are a prime target for thieves and squatters - a vacant building, particularly one like the former Roadside Settlement House, is at higher risk of fire as we head into winter. That can be scary for an owner who is trying to maintain or renovate such a building.

I have received many inquiries about the status of the building from people who spent time there as children. The former Roadside Settlement House is a part of Des Moines' history, and a physical record of the settlement house movement. Because of this, the building has a presence beyond just it's current status. Regardless of the maintenance and plans of the current owners, it is clear that many people care about the future of this historic building.

Let it be

Anonymous — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:38:56 -0700

I think we should just leave the family alone that owns it. theya re doing their best to upkeep it...and to the thieves that were breaking in all summer! Beware....we will be watching for you now.

Fort Des Moines Officer's Quarters

Anonymous — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:37:43 -0700

In the 1960's, this building was used as a doctor's office. I remember going here as a child.

Modern v. Contemporary

RenovateDSM — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 18:39:30 -0700

Interesting discussion. I think perhaps you are both right, and that in retrospect my title for this photo was probably not very accurate...

Modern (or more specifically "modernism") is a specific design style that crosses over art, product/furniture, and architecture. As a whole this space, the furnishings, and the house itself are not a case study in modernism.

This space and the way in which it is furnished would probably fall under the general umbrella of "contemporary" - a sub-category of which would be what Meredith called "eclectic" above. Things like exposed brick, open floor plans, stainless steel fittings, and creative reuse of traditional furnishings in unconventional ways are all elements of a contemporary design aesthetic.

If I recall correctly, this house was full of anachronisms like a claw-foot tub, wide-plank pine floors, a farmhouse type trestle table, and many other things. Yet the anachronisms are played off against a clearly contemporary backdrop of exposed brick, open floor plan, and modern furnishings.