Mass timber townhomes planned near Drake University

Driving the news: The Des Moines City Council last month approved a $640,000 preliminary award to the project at 3125 Kingman Blvd.

• It's being co-developed by Cutler and the nonprofit Home Inc. on land owned by Invest DSM.

Zoom in: Mass timber is glued and pressed in specialized ways to make it comparable in strength to concrete and steel.

• It's lighter than concrete, is designed to meet strict fire-resistance standards and can add aesthetic appeal to people who like exposed wood.
• International building code changes in recent years have allowed the material to be used in increasingly larger projects.

State of play: Cutler has used mass timber in multiple metro projects, including Star Lofts and in the ongoing construction of Goldfinch Lofts, both along Ingersoll Avenue.

Catch up quick: The project site was previously a multi-unit home damaged in a 2021 fire and demolished last year by Invest DSM as part of a broader revitalization effort.

Reality check: The project still needs to secure final financing approvals and complete additional design work before construction can begin.

Yes, but: The project's financing model already assumes today's higher interest rates and includes backup funding options, Cutler said.

What's next: The City Council is expected to finalize agreements in the coming months, with homes opening as early as spring 2028.