Meet the Residents
Joe and Mike
When your 6’7” or 6’5”, it’s not always easy to be comfortable. Finding stylish, well fitting clothing or a car with ample leg room can be a daunting challenge. Therefore, Joe and Mike, were thrilled when they found the Brownstones on Grand while house hunting not long ago.
The two had hoped to build a house near downtown but found it virtually impossible to find the type of location they desired. They looked at many of the living options the downtown area offered and chose the Brownstones on Grand because the builder, Hubbell, allowed them to make a number of upgrades and customizations more befitting to their unique verticality.
Both praise Hubbell for the builder’s willingness to accommodate their wishes, including higher kitchen counters and bathroom vanities. Because they bought early in the construction process, Joe and Mike were also able to choose their cabinets, flooring and colors. Hubbell’s standard 9’ ceilings and arched doorways were also welcome features being as tall as they are. One of their favorite customizations was a wine lounge where they host monthly wine tastings for their friends.
Joe and Mike moved into their brownstone on July 2nd, and the two are very excited about the energy the downtown area now exudes. Their friends appreciate the generous amount of available parking when they visit during such events as the World Food Festival, Wine Fest and the Des Moines Marathon. In their free time, the duo frequent InPlay with Joe’s teenaged son, shop at the Farmers’ Market and catch as many concerts as they can at the Simon Estes Amphitheater. Some of their favorite haunts include the Continental, Doozies, Raccoon River Brewing Company, Ban Thai and many of the restaurants on Court Avenue.
Joe had recently moved here from Las Vegas, and although he misses the warm winters, he is excited about living in a clean and progressive city that displays an appreciation for culture and art. In fact, he loves the way the windows in their brownstone frame the Capitol like a beautiful piece of art, especially at sunrise. Mike, who had been living in the Beaverdale area, appreciates not having to shovel during the winter and mow during the summer. Each says a favorite spot is the rooftop garden, which was a ‘must have’ during their home search. They spend a lot of time there and enjoy watching some ‘unbelievable’ fireworks displays and hanging out with neighbors.
Despite having a two-car garage, the two found that they spend most of their leisure time downtown and, therefore, need only one car. Mike enjoys a short walk to his job at Principal so the extra stall in the garage has become a spacious storage area.
Joe and Mike are very pleased with the investment they made by purchasing their home at the Brownstones on Grand. They are confident that when or if they decide to move, they will get great resale value for their three bedroom, three-and-a-half bath unit. When asked where they would go next, they said most likely another Brownstone in the same development!
