Location
Des Moines, Iowa
Year
2016
Size
74,000 SF
Client
Sherman Associates
Project Team
Tim Hickman
The Randolph Apartments in downtown Des Moines, IA combines three buildings into one complex of 55 market-rate apartment units above several retail and restaurant spaces. With architecture dating back to the 1880s, this historic structure at the corner of Fourth and Court Avenue in the historic Court Avenue District is an essential restoration project for downtown Des Moines.
Central to this development is the eight-story Hotel Randolph. The hotel, originally serving as a hub for railroad travelers in the early 20th century, had transitioned into weekly and monthly housing in later years. Rather than succumbing to the fate of many other downtown hotels that faced demolition, the project's owners were committed to preserving these historic structures.
Preserving the rich architectural history of the area was paramount. The project retained and restored the buildings' historic significance while creatively adapting them to accommodate modern needs. Different apartment layouts were designed to cater to various downtown demographics, promoting versatility and efficiency.
The ground-level spaces were transformed into a hub of activity with high-profile retail and restaurant projects. These spaces contributed to the revitalization of the Court Avenue Entertainment District, bringing back the vibrancy that had been lost over the years.
Facade (2014)
Historic postcard (1920)
Floor plan - first floor (existing)
Floor plan - first floor (new)
Floor plan - second floor (existing)
Floor plan - second floor (new)
Isometric Diagram - exterior (before)
Isometric Diagram - exterior (proposed)
Isometric diagram - existing stair and fire escape locations
Isometric diagram - new stair locations
MEP Engineer
The Waldinger Corporation
Structural Engineer
Raker Rhodes Engineering LLC
Historical Consultant
Hess, Roise and Company
General Contractor
Rau Construction Company
2018 Citation Award in Historic Preservation
American Institute of Architects, Central States Region
2016 Preservation at its Best: Residential
Preservation Iowa
Photography by Paul Crosby Architectural Photography
