Most rehab projects incorporate the modern "conveniences" like indoor plumbing, air conditioning, and dimmer switches. But what about modern design? Join us at the next Des Moines Rehabbers Club meeting to find out what happens when a contemporary interior is creatively fit into a historic shell.

Where: 905 18th Street, Des Moines, IA 50314
When: 9:30-11:00 am, Saturday, December 6, 2008

Architect Emily Donovan and her family found such a project in a vacant and dilapidated Sherman Hill house. They were attracted by the home's location, brick exterior, and by the challenge of bringing the building back to life (while staying within an affordable budget). When they purchased the home, not a moment too soon, it had been on the City's "Demo List" for almost 10 years.

Their year-long complete renovation included not just new building systems, roof, and insulation, but also some major structural changes. The home's historic exterior surrounds a contemporary interior with an open floor plan. The design merges rustic and modern materials in creative ways with woodburning stoves and exposed brick, rough-hewn ceiling beams and stainless steel bolts.

As we find ourselves in the middle of bitter winter weather, energy consumption moves to the front of many people's minds. Brian Douglas and Dan Royer took the initiative to start making their home more energy efficient by installing a new furnace, heat pump, and water heater in their 4,000 square foot River Bend Queen Anne.

Join us at the January Des Moines Rehabbers Club meeting to discuss energy efficiency and hear about the process of converting a house to all electric.

We would like you to join us in answering President-Elect Obama’s call. If you are interested in volunteering or having your home winterized please contact Natasha Newcomb at 515-266-6190. Individuals interested in helping will meet at 505 5th Street on the 3rd floor at 1 PM, from 2 PM to 5 PM volunteers will be out in the community, and at 5:30 PM to 7 PM there will be a Volunteer Appreciation Party held on the 3rd floor at 505 5th Street.

1-1:30 PM Meet 505 5th Street 3rd Floor (Iowa Global Warming office)
2:00- 5 PM Volunteers out in the community