NEW GROUP PROMOTES RENOVATION OF HISTORIC HOMES

The Des Moines Rehabbers Club is a new organization providing support and encouragement for people who are undertaking renovation tasks of all types, from repairing a plaster crack all the way through a gut renovation or full restoration project.

The inaugural meeting will be held on November 3, 2007 from 9:30 to 11:00 am at 1622 York. The owners of this 1918 bungalow have volunteered to host a tour of their renovation project. They will be talking about the work being done, some of the surprises they have encountered, and how they have set priorities through budgeting.

The Des Moines Rehabbers Club incorporates four key components:

• Monthly meetings – Each monthly meeting will have a different focus. Planed topics for futures meetings include: tours of “works in progress,” how-to sessions on renovation tasks like repairing wood windows, and presentations by city officials.

• Special Events – Planned evening class series will cover the renovation process from start to finish.
• E-Mail Group – A free e-mail group allows members to ask renovation related questions, get contractor referrals, and network with other rehabbers.
• Web Site – The Des Moines Rehabbers Club web site (http://RenovateDSM.com) will serve as an information clearinghouse for renovation related articles, project photos, and links.

The Des Moines Rehabbers Club mission is to promote neighborhood revitalization and restoration of Des Moines' unique building stock by informing, educating, inspiring, and supporting each other in all phases of renovation from purchase to occupancy. The Des Moines Rehabbers Club welcomes members of all skill levels from novice to professional. General membership is free.

For more information, please contact Des Moines Rehabbers Club organizer
Steve Wilke-Shapiro at swilkeshairo@gmail.com or visit the
Des Moines Rehabbers Club web site at http://RenovateDSM.com.