Sep 24, 2026 - News

$2.3M townhomes planned along Grand Avenue

Jason Clayworth

Evening view of a modern brick apartment building with warm interior lights, multiple windows and balconies, with a few people near the entrance, surrounded by illuminated landscaping and a dusk sky. — The Brownstones at Chamberlain Place. Illustration: BarrelAged Productions, courtesy of Mike Simonson

All six luxury townhomes of a yet-to-be-constructed development along Grand Avenue in Des Moines' Salisbury Oaks neighborhood are already reserved, with prices reaching $2.3 million.

Why it matters: The project shows there's demand for high-end homes designed to help older residents stay put as their needs change, developer and council member Mike Simonson tells Axios.

Driving the news: The City Council this month received and filed the City Plan and Zoning Commission's recommendation to approve the subdivision of nearly 1 acre for the rowhome development at 3820 and 3826 Grand Ave.

The final subdivision plat still requires council consideration.

State of play: A larger house that had been converted into apartments and a small brick home on the site were recently demolished.

The custom homes will include zero-step entries for garages and showers, private elevators and HOA-maintained exteriors to make aging in place easier.

Flashback: Simonson has developed seven similarly styled Grand Oakcrest townhomes on nearby property formerly owned by St. Augustin Catholic Church.

What's next: Construction could begin in the coming weeks, Simonson said.

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$2.3M townhomes planned along Grand Avenue

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