Prairie Trail 2012

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It’s amazing how different people can look at a plot of land and see vastly different things.

In 1942, the federal government saw 1,000-plus acres of land near Ankeny and envisioned a place for government use and employment. In 1946, Iowa State University saw this same land and envisioned a resource for agricultural research and livestock breeding to both educate and provide for our population.

The education community supported itself in 1967, when Iowa State sold parcels of this land for the construction of Des Moines Area Community College. And in 2005, the City of Ankeny saw an opportunity to broaden its own community by purchasing the remaining land and turning to DRA Properties to create what has become Prairie Trail.

What started as a vision – artist sketches, master plans, a belief in a new urbanism – became the vision realized, with real houses, real businesses, real people. We’ve seen the opening of three new schools, the availability of the Precedence West housing development plat, and the announcement of our first tenant in The District.

A lot of times, when something moves fast, our vision of it becomes a blur. In the case of Prairie Trail, things are moving fast because the vision is coming even more into focus.

prairietrailankeny.comvol. 5, no. 1

fall 2012

prairie trail is a publication of dra properties, l.c.

dennis albaugh, ownertara meredith, development coordinator

ted rapp, development coordinatorashley johnson, sales and marketingtodd figley, chief financial officer

stuart feldstein, counseltracy nemitz, accountant

greg o'hara, finance director

dra properties 1525 northeast 36th street

ankeny, iowa 50021515.964.9444

produced bygannett client solutions

715 locust streetdes moines, iowa 50304

message from dennis albaugh

4 | prairie trail. imagine the possibilities. prairietrailankeny.com 515.964.9444 Fall 2012 | 5

From I-80: Take the Second Avenue exit north to Ankeny. Second Avenue turns into SW State Street. We are about 1 mile north of the Oralabor Road & State Street intersection on 18th Street. From I-35: Take the Oralabor Road exit in Ankeny, turning west onto Oralabor Road. Travel two miles to the intersection of State Street. Turn north onto State. We are about 1 mile north of the Oralabor Road & State Street intersection on 18th Street.

prairie trail visitor center

the vision in focus

common beliefs

business in bloom

a plan comes together

the art of a dream

contents

For more information on Prairie Trail, visit DRA Properties, 1706 SW 18th Street, Ankeny. To schedule an appointment, visit PrairieTrailAnkeny.com

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Children – childhood friends – playing together in a nearby park. Parents watching, not much more than a front lawn away. Neighbors waving at neighbors from frequently used front porches. Green spaces left intact for the sake of

the environment – and the future.Houses springing up and filling up, quickly becoming

homes. Shopping districts and amenities as close as a walk away. A real – and growing – sense of community.

Prairie Trail has come a long way, from a vision, to the realization of a vision, to a community coming even more into focus.

Planned as a place that would bring neighbors closer to each other, closer to their everyday needs,

and closer to the natural land that has been preserved there for decades, Prairie Trail is a testament to the hard

work and desire of many local people and entities.“Every time we build a trail, every time we build a

school, every time we extend a sidewalk, from a house to a neighborhood to a park to a school, we’re connecting our community,” says Deb Dyar, Public Relations Officer for the City of Ankeny.

The community that is Prairie Trail is grounded in the belief of connecting people to the land on which they live, as well as with the neighbors who surround them.

“Every time we build a trail, a school, a sidewalk, we’re

connecting our community.”

visionin focus

the

8 | prairie trail. prairietrailankeny.com

“When we plan, we plan to bring people together.” Dyar says. This is evident in the shared spaces: Whether it’s a community gathering place, a park that’s within walking distance for every child, or whether it’s a band shell, the intent is to connect people to people and neighborhoods to neighborhoods and create those gathering spaces where people feel like they are a part of a greater whole.

Residents tout the uniqueness of the homes – “we like that all the houses are different out here” and “we’re so happy these aren’t cookie-cutter houses” are just some of the sentiments – and the friendliness of neighbors – “everyone’s walking around, everyone’s out saying ‘hi’” – and they realize the potential of the area and look forward to what is to come.

Parents of youngsters appreciate having schools nearby – the mother of one current kindergartner is “excited that she’s so close to us” – and the expanded facilities benefit all by having a smaller student-to-teacher ratio as well as a few new gathering spaces for community events.

What began on land that has seen government use, a dairy farm and an educational reserve has become a place based on the idea of “new urbanism” yet tips its hat to days gone by.

The concept of new urbanism promotes creating diverse, walkable, compact, yet vibrant communities, while the designs within Prairie Trail achieve nostalgic status. Streets are smaller and designed for slower traffic to accommodate people on foot. Residents are never more than a five-minute walk from a park. Shopping and entertainment are just steps away.

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See what happens as neighbors become friends at PrairieTrailAnkeny.com.


At the same time as this modern vibrancy, houses are built based on a charming palette featuring four picturesque architectural styles that offer history and character. Meeting places are designed as entertainment and recreation hubs to welcome all comers. Even details down to the street signs evoke an age where pride in work and attention to detail are on display.

New urbanism brings with it an appreciation for ecological friendliness as well. Homes and businesses, streets and storm systems are built with the environment in mind, from architectural plans that showcase builders’ “green” abilities to neighborhood design that intrudes less on green spaces than most developments.

“The whole new urbanism idea involves bringing the builders along, bringing the bankers along, as it’s a really unique venture,” according to John Peterson, Ankeny’s Assistant City Manager, “and everyone is working together well.” New urbanism exists in other areas of the United States, giving planners and developers a chance to, as Peterson says, “watch what’s

working and what isn’t, and the advantage we have is that, while Prairie Trail is in the community and a part of the community, it’s also creating its own community.”

As land that has hosted educational institutions for decades, it seems fitting that three community schools have broken ground in Prairie Trail in the past few years. The elementary, middle and high schools give youngsters a place to learn and grow together, while bonding the Prairie Trail neighborhood with the Ankeny community at large.

Prairie Trail has created a buzz, both around the area and within its own community. From Cascade Falls, where visitors come from miles around to enjoy the modern water entertainment, to Dean Park, where young families can cross the street and be in a fun area with friends, to the plans taking shape in The District, residents of Prairie Trail and citizens nearby have, as Dyar calls it, “confidence in the promise of what Prairie Trail will become.”

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According to John Peterson, Ankeny’s Assistant City Manager, the ethos of Prairie Trail can be summed up in one word: “sustainability.”

Peterson explains: “When people say, ‘What’s so sustainable?’, we talk about the layout, the walking, the

connections the neighborhood makes because of the way it was designed. And then there’s the other piece to

sustainability, the energy efficiency. You can see it in our builders’ practices, in our facilities. It’s working.”

When you are in Prairie Trail, you are never more than a few steps away from natural, wide-open green spaces. There are nearly 200 acres of green space throughout the 1,100-acre development designed to provide a variety of activities from active parks for the children to play to taking leisurely, quiet walks

on Sunday afternoons, not to mention the largest municipal water park in Iowa, which draws crowds

from miles away.

Making a Splash. When the Iowa humidity becomes too much, Cascade Falls is the place to be. At 20,000 square feet, the largest municipal aquatic center in Iowa features a Flow-rider surf machine, five slides including a drop slide and a swirl bowl. Those looking to relax can drift down the 640-foot Lazy River with a wave generator, relax in the heated pool or catch rays in the sunbathing areas.

"You can see it in our builders’ practices, in our facilities.

It’s working.”

beliefscommon

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“As soon as I pick up the kids from

school, they're asking when we

get to go to the park.”

In its first partial-season from mid-July to Labor Day 2010, Cascade Falls welcomed 72,000 visitors, and more than 200 children participated in swim lessons at the facility.

Todd Redenius, Ankeny's Director of Parks and Recreation, recognizes that the development of the $10 million facility can largely be attributed to the unique collaboration between the City of Ankeny and DRA Properties, saying, “It has really raised the bar of what the private and public sectors can accomplish together.”

Precedence Park. The 3.16-acre park was the first to be opened in June 2008. The 1930s Works Progress Administration-style shelter that can accommodate up to 100 people has become a favorite for family gatherings, weddings and other celebrations. The extensive landscaping, including a flower garden and trail encircling the grounds, make this a perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon.

Dean Park. This neighborhood park, featuring a rubberized playground, half-court basketball court, splash pad and shelter, opened in 2010 and has become the gathering hub for current residents. Danielle Manus says most evenings are spent at the park with neighbors: “As soon as I pick up the kids from school, they’re asking when we get to go to the park.”

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See families make the most of shared spaces at PrairieTrailAnkeny.com.


Chautauqua Park. The biggest of the parks at 46 acres, Chautauqua will offer many options, including “Great Lawns” for play and relaxing; a lake for fishing; trails for walking, riding, and running; and landscaping to savor. The area of reconstructed wetlands, native grasses and flowers will become the regional trailhead for the Central Iowa Trail System. Play structures and signage will fit an earlier time and feel, much the same way that Prairie Trail housing styles evoke the past.

Promenade Park. The 12 acres in this park will offer active and passive possibilities. An intertwining trail system will traverse the park’s inner space and also connect to the overall trail system of Prairie Trail at the park’s boundaries. The shape and contour of the park make for a perfect setting for an amphitheater that will use the 5-acre Promenade Lake as a backdrop. A shelter structure will be situated at the crest of the park and will mirror the style of shelters already in Prairie Trail and provide park patrons with a space to relax and enjoy the view.

Vintage Park. On 12 acres of land, this natural park features native landscaping, walking trails, a pond and fishing pier. Although Vintage Park does not have a

traditional playground, it is a perfect place for natural play, a picnic or an afternoon walk. The pond and fishing pier lend a great spot to leisurely catch a few fish and enjoy the outdoors.

The planned green spaces are an essential element to the lifestyle at Prairie Trail and have become a draw for future residents and businesses. Redenius claims none of it would have been possible without careful planning by city officials and their teamwork with private entities: “The way we partnered to integrate the green spaces with residential and business areas is so unique it’s been the impetus for other projects within our community and started discussions elsewhere.”

Hit the Trail. While parks are an essential element to lifestyle within Prairie Trail, it was a priority for community leaders to take advantage of Prairie Trail being located in the heart of Central Iowa’s 670-mile trail system. The 13 miles of trail within the community directly connect to 34 miles already in Ankeny and lead to the regional Gay Lea Wilson, Neal Smith, and High Trestle trails. The recent addition of the ½–mile, 13–story High Trestle Trail Bridge connects five communities and four counties.

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Prairie Trail is connecting more than just families with neighborhoods and enviable amenities. Prairie Trail fosters connectivity among business owners inside Plaza Shoppes.

A year ago, Tiffany Christensen stood near the dirt floor of what would become her second Anytime Fitness

location. She signed her first customer, a Prairie Trail homeowner, who lives just a mile away.

Today, the gym is open. But, at Prairie Trail, Anytime Fitness is more than just a gym. It’s a pioneer in the birth of Prairie Trail. Christensen grins with excitement at the highly anticipated growth of her new Prairie Trail business home.

“We still are at the very early stages of what this area is going to be- and whether you’re looking

to live here or put a business here, it’s just such an exciting time to be a part of it from the ground level,”

Christensen said.

“We’re a part of something that's going to keep getting bigger.”

bloombusinessin

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Follow the chatter about blooming business at Facebook.com/PrairieTrailAnkeny.

Prairie Trail ties things together beautifully. Quaint homes connect with trails and vibrant businesses. The 60,000-square-foot Plaza Shoppes consists of six buildings for businesses and will be anchored by Hy-Vee Foods.

The homeowners and business owners of Prairie Trail want it all. They want to work hard, play hard and live well. If Ankeny is a crown, Prairie Trail is the crown jewel.

And, that jewel is vibrantly “green” all the way through. Everything about Prairie Trail centers upon promoting the well-being of Prairie Trail residents and business owners.

“One of the things that I think about when I think of a green community is activity,” Christensen said. “Sidewalks. People being out and about in a neighborly fashion. Where we’re on the go.”

These days, Prairie Trail is in full bloom. Construction projects buzz. Homeowners have unpacked. Businesses set up shop.

“There’s a real excitement that we’re a part of something that's going to keep getting bigger,” she said.

Residents of all ages benefit from the neighborhood’s growth, beginning with the youth who experience the Generation Next Child Development Center and Preschool. Locally owned and operated, kids 6 weeks to 12 years are provided a world of opportunities at this stimulating learning environment.

Ankeny retirees love the community and now have a unique way to remain in Vintage Hills Cooperative at Prairie Trail – the second such development in Iowa. A luxurious retirement community, including an assisted living, memory care and town center and a proposed care center loom along the eastern side of Prairie Trail. Soon, the affordable housing cooperative with 49 homes for active seniors will be situated there. Reservations have spiked.

“It’s going to be great to retain seniors who have lived in Ankeny and now they can stay in Ankeny,” said Julie Jordan, marketing manager of Vintage Hills Cooperative.

“It's just such an exciting time

to be a part of Prairie Trail from

the ground level.”


As earth is overturned and beams and brick are put in their places, the concept of The District continues to come to fruition, with the key word frequently mentioned being “opportunity.”

Planned as the center of attention for shopping, restaurants and entertainment, The District capitalizes on the momentum of the new Jethro’s BBQ Lakehouse, for which ground broke in July 2012, by moving forward on the plans that have created all of the surrounding buzz.

“This initial groundbreaking opens up so much opportunity with restaurant and retail. It really gives us the first leg up,” John Peterson, Ankeny’s Assistant City Manager, says. “I think, if you go to the residents, they’re all anxious to see what’s next.”

Deb Dyar, Public Relations Officer for the City of Ankeny, continues: “There’s a community interest in this area. They are very eager not to just imagine it but to see what that’s really going to look like and to see what new opportunities it will open up to the city. The ‘imagine’ has really become more of a mystique.”

Those opportunities come thanks to the design by some of the foremost experts in the field. This 525,000-square-foot entertainment and retail hub mimics the traditional town squares found in so many neighboring communities and was planned with Prairie Trail residents and regional shoppers in mind. Peterson explains that “the focus of The District has become to be an entertainment center for the community – not just for Prairie Trail, but the whole community.”


Watch earth being moved for The District at PrairieTrailAnkeny.com.


Keep track of what’s to comein Ankeny at AnkenyIowa.gov.

A happy feeling washes over you as you turn onto your street and into your driveway. You’re home.

For most people, all that stands in the way of that happy feeling is the end of the day commute. But, if you live and work in Ankeny, you’re already home.

Prairie Trail, situated in the heart of Ankeny, is purposefully designed to promote community, families

and togetherness – not just for those in Prairie Trail, but for everyone in Ankeny.

“It’s about a sense of belonging,” said Deb Dyar, Public Relations Officer for the City of Ankeny. “It’s

about being home.” Prairie Trail encompasses innovative, sustainable

designs, public gathering places and families and business. But its beautiful amenities will benefit those outside Prairie Trail as well.

City officials plan to unveil striking plans for The District, a 525,000-square-foot entertainment and shopping hub, and are building the area’s first streets. Retail and restaurants will open up near the lake.

together

a plancomes

“It’s about a sense of belonging. It’s about being home.”

“Prairie Trail is moving from the best-kept secret

to more of a community.”

“Today, the focus has really become an entertainment center for the community, not just Prairie Trail,” says John Peterson, Ankeny’s Assistant City Manager.

These places and spaces are ones that, as Dyar says, “the larger community is discovering Dean Park and Precedence Park. They’re migrating to the parks in Prairie Trail because they’re hearing about them. It’s moving from the best-kept secret to more of a community.”

Prairie Trail buoys the great reputation Ankeny already enjoys. Dubbed the fastest growing city in Iowa, according to the 2010 U.S. Census, Ankeny grew 68 percent in 10 years, Dyar said, yet with the growth, residents tell Dyar that “they still feel like they are a part of a community.” Families flock to its vibrant neighborhoods, playful parks and prestigious schools.

Residents find Prairie Trail’s open and shared spaces attractive for events, as well. Bob Sledge, Traffic Signal Lead for the City of Ankeny and member of Martial Arts America in Ankeny and the Martial Artists for Children and Community foundation, recently helped organize a 5K run that began and ended at Cascade Falls, the proceeds for which went to the Ankeny Fire Department. “We had an excellent staging area at Cascade Falls, and DRA Properties was a big help in fine-tuning and marking the course

and contacting businesses, some of whom became sponsors,” Sledge explained. Dyar believes that, “with the commitment to open spaces, we’ll see more of those events coming here.”

Prairie Trail is a thoughtfully designed “green” community that draws the young and the old. Retirees mingle with working adults and youth. It’s a hot spot and the place to be for beautiful living. Some communities gate themselves off but Prairie Trail is an open, inviting and exciting way to live. It has the best of charming neighborhoods, booming businesses and enticing attractions.

“A lot of people grew up in Ankeny. Their kids are in Ankeny. Their grandkids are in Ankeny. It’s a very generational community,” said Julie Jordan, Vintage Hills Cooperative’s Marketing Manager.

The community is watching.

Prairie Trail aims “to connect people one neighborhood at a time,” Dyar said. “To make a community whole.”


Join in the online communityat Facebook.com/PrairieTrailAnkeny.


world class education

If you’re considering a move to Ankeny with children, you’ll be excited to learn the Ankeny Community School District enjoys an outstanding reputation. Built on an exemplary and balanced curricular program, the district serves more than 9,200 students and is one of the fastest-growing districts in the state.

Students here excel academically and have a 92.9 percent graduation rate. In 2012, students at Ankeny High School earned more than 11,400 college credits from Des Moines Area Community College during their high school career. Outside the classroom, students can tap into a rich heritage of excellence in athletics, arts and activities. Living at Prairie Trail will give residents access to Ankeny’s newest high school, middle school and elementary school.

Ankeny High School. In fall 2011, the new state-of-the-art high school welcomed its first students. It occupies 70 acres of ground within the Prairie Trail development. With its “small learning community” design, the school provides dedicated space for programs such as industrial arts, music, performing arts, graphic arts, family and consumer sciences, and educational media and technology. It offers also offer separate, self-contained community areas for students to learn and study.

Prairie Trail Elementary School. In May 2011, The Ankeny School District broke ground for Prairie Trail Elementary. The newest elementary school for the city opened in the Fall of 2012 and is near Cascade Falls water park and the Precedence neighborhood.

Southview Middle School. The district currently operates two middle schools, one housing all 6th and 7th graders and a second school serving 8th and 9th graders. Ankeny’s long-range facility plan calls for four middle schools (two for 6th and 7th graders and two for 8th and 9th graders) to serve the growing community. One of the 8th and 9th grade middle schools, Southview Middle School, is adjacent to the new high school in Prairie Trail and will begin serving 8th and 9th grade students during the 2013-2014 school year.

Ankeny is also home to Ankeny Christian Academy, serving students in prekindergarten to 12th grade. ACA follows a rigorous academic curriculum, which incorporates Latin-based language skills, foreign language courses beginning in kindergarten and a variety of college-preparatory classes. Founded in 1993, the school is independent and nondenominational.

Ankeny and the surrounding metro offers students and adult learners a variety of options for higher education.

Des Moines Area Community College. Iowa’s largest community college, DMACC, neighbors Prairie Trail and offers 75 career programs, as well as online classes, adult learning, and intercollegiate athletics. More than 29,000 credit students and 33,000 continuing education students enroll in DMACC annually. dmacc.edu

Faith Baptist Bible College & Theological Seminary. Faith has been in Ankeny for nearly 50 years and now offers both undergraduate and master’s degree programs in a variety of ministry-related fields. faith.edu

Simpson College. Simpson is a fully accredited four-year liberal arts college based in Indianola, just south of Des Moines. It operates satellite campuses geared primarily toward adult learners in Ankeny, West Des Moines and Indianola. simpson.edu

Upper Iowa University. The Ankeny campus of UIU offers courses in several degree programs, such as human resources, marketing and a number of business-related specialties. Opportunities exist for evening and weekend classes in accelerated eight-week terms. uiu.edu

Grand View University. Located in Des Moines, Grand View welcomes traditional students and adult learners. Grand View offers a high-quality education in a career-oriented, liberal arts–grounded curriculum. Grand View’s School of Graduate Studies offers the MS in Innovative Leadership, with tracks in business, education and nursing. grandview.edu

Drake University. In neighboring Des Moines, Drake University is a nationally recognized private liberal arts college with excellent programs and more intimate size. The school is renowned for its journalism and law programs and excellence in fine arts and intercollegiate athletics. drake.edu

Iowa State University. Home to more than 26,000 students, ISU has earned a worldwide reputation for its bioscience research, veterinary science, engineering and education programs. ISU is a major advantage for Ankeny’s targeted businesses. It is located just 20 miles north of Ankeny in Ames. iastate.edu

Miracle Field & All-Inclusive Playground

Communities strengthen when they share common ground and common goals. The Ankeny Miracle League Field & All-Inclusive Playground will offer nearly 800 metro-area and 5,000 Central Iowa children with physical, cognitive and developmental disabilities a place to play baseball and use specially designed playground equipment.

Members of the Ankeny Kiwanis Club, the Kiwanis of Greater Des Moines, the City of Ankeny, the Ankeny Community School District, the Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce, local businesses and individuals saw a need to serve a growing number of special-needs children. Todd Redenius, Director of Parks and Recreation in Ankeny, explains: “To be part of a team working toward this goal is just extraordinary.”

The field is part of the Miracle League network, whose mantra is that “Every child deserves a chance to play baseball.” The field offers a rubberized surface with no obstacles where, Redenius says, “Every child plays, every child bats, and every team wins.” An accompanying all-inclusive playground features slides, ramps and other amenities built for ease of accessibility. Completion is projected for summer 2013.

Ted Rapp, Development Coordinator for DRA Properties, is on the steering committee and says the use of “existing green space the City of Ankeny owns” is integral to Miracle Field’s construction. And partnering the ball field with the community was of major importance, says Redenius: “We’re next to Terrace Elementary, we’ll share a playground with Parkview Middle School. We’re near the Hawkeye Sports Complex, so we’ll be able to integrate traditional tee ball with this program.”

The field welcomes volunteers, Redenius says: “Every child will have a buddy, someone to push their wheelchair, help them bat and go to the bases, and cheer them on. They may come from local businesses, high school or college sports teams, or volunteer groups or individuals. They are our ‘Angels in the Outfield’.”

For more information on the field or how to volunteer or donate, contact Todd Redenius at (515) 963-3571, or visit ankenymiracleleague.com.

higher learning


commitment to the future

As you consider a move to Prairie Trail, you will not only benefit from the world-class community school district, you and your children will also receive first priority to become recipients of the Prairie Trail Scholarship Fund. Dennis and Susan Albaugh established this fund to show their commitment to education and community. “As Prairie Trail continues to grow, we want to help our families’ quest for education grow, and offering these awards to our students helps us all achieve our goals,” says Albaugh, himself a 1970 graduate of DMACC. The purpose of the Prairie Trail Scholarship Fund is to provide scholarships to students pursuing a college degree and to support mini-grants to educators teaching in Ankeny schools. Scholarship applicants living in Prairie Trail will be eligible to receive $2,500 scholarships, with a maximum lifetime award of $10,000. High school seniors from

Ankeny private or public schools are also eligible to receive a one-time award of up to $1,000. Preference in both categories is given to students who choose an institution based in Iowa. Additionally, mini-grants for academic performance will be available for educators teaching in an Ankeny school. Mini-grants will be a maximum of $2,500 per award. The Prairie Trail Scholarship Fund is administered by The Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) Foundation with funding generated from a half-of-one-percent fee on the transfer of all real property in Prairie Trail.

Scholarship recipients in 2012 include:• Jenna Dengler• Samuel Hausler• Drew Lindaman

left to right: dennis albaugh, jenna dengler, drew lindaman, dmacc president rob denson. (not pictured: samuel hausler)

dreamart

of a

the

We hope you’re dreaming about your new neighborhood in Prairie Trail. Although it is a planned community with specific design guidelines, the truth is, each home is unique. We want you to have the home

that suits your life, whether you build a custom property or fall in love with the many move-in-

ready spaces that are available. Ashley Johnson, DRA Sales and Marketing Manager, says, “Buying your next home should be a wonderful, hassle-free, uplifting experience.” The palette of architectural styles features the romantic periods of domestic architecture documented in pattern books and catalogs used by builders in this region during the late 1800s and the

early 1900s. Many neighborhoods will have a mix of cottages, combined with larger houses. Single-family

homes, townhomes, apartments and housing for senior citizens will all be available.

“We relied on our builder to get the details just right.”


Be inspired by builders, vendors, home styles and more at Houzz.com/user/PrairieTrailAnkeny.


Resident Kendra Parker was wowed by the development’s plan, ethos and amenities. “We lived a mile and a half north of the area for years. Once our daughter became a toddler, we saw the importance of being near a water park, we saw the opening of the elementary school, and we saw how close we would be to everything we’d need and started planning,” Parker explained. “We believe in the development, what it is and what it’s going to be.” The Parkers met with the Prairie Trail development team, researched the neighborhood design, and found a builder who was more than helpful to work with. “New home building does not have to be stressful,” Parker said. “We found a builder that matched our personality, understood our values, and helped us do research and make decisions. The process was fantastic, and we absolutely love our home.” Should you choose to build, here are some things to consider. Whether you have a builder in mind, a plan in mind, both a plan and a builder in mind, or don’t have either, these tips will be helpful.

Get your financing in line. Whether you’re buying a completed home at Prairie Trail or planning to build one of your own, meeting with a lender early in the process is a tremendous advantage. Knowing your exact budget helps you to make the decisions throughout the process easier, saving you potential delays and disappointment.

Choose the right builder. The number of decisions to make and the length of the home-building process make it crucial to find a builder who treats you like a partner. Resident Jonathan Kort interviewed several builders: “In the end, it didn’t come down to capabilities — they were all very qualified. We chose the one who related to us the most.” There are a number of builders already involved in the Prairie Trail development, and several of them currently have models available for viewing. A good first step is to view their homes and meet with them in your process of selecting a builder. Or, if you already have a relationship established, you can choose a builder who is new to Prairie Trail.

“We saw how close we would be to everything we'd

need and started planning.”


Choose a lot and house plan. As you are dreaming about your new home in Prairie Trail, take the opportunity to view the homes that are already a part of the community. Drive through the neighborhood and watch the progress as more homes go up, more schools and amenities are developed and as the seasons change. Peruse our Pattern Book as you begin the process. It sets the standard for the historical characteristics that each house should display. While we don’t limit you to strict home designs, the book gives you a good introduction to the criteria you will need to consider when choosing a plan. And don’t forget to check out our website for beautiful photos of Prairie Trail homes and more great ideas. Designing your home. After reviewing the architectural criteria for the different housing styles of Prairie Trail, you can begin designing your own home plan and customizing it to meet our architectural standards. Once you’ve settled on a plan, simply submit those to the Prairie Trail Architectural Review Board. Don’t worry, the process is not complicated, and your builder will help you. Nick Jensen from Caliber Homes believes the standards are beneficial for homeowners: “Prairie Trail offers very unique architectural elements and as a homeowner, it’s nice to know what’s next to you is going to meet the Prairie Trail standards.”

Once the plans have been reviewed and any modifications addressed, the board will approve the plans for construction. Upon approval of your house plans, your builder can begin construction and you can begin watching your dream come to life!

Planning the interior. Oh, the choices! One of the most rewarding tasks about building a new custom home is creating the perfect environment that suits your life. It can also become overwhelming in a hurry, taking the joy out of the process for you. To stay on course, let your builder recommend millwork and window experts. Talk with them early in the building process, as design elements such as doors, windows, cabinets, trim and appliances can influence details about your plan design. Amy Kort knows the importance of the experts: “We have a small muffin business we run out of our home, so it was important to have certain things in our kitchen, and we relied on our builder to get the details just right.” You may also want to consider the benefits of an interior designer. Working with a design professional who has multiple resources can actually make the decorating process go much smoother and can result in a more unified look for your home. After dreaming about your new home and finding the perfect location at Prairie Trail, it’s actually happening! Enjoy the process and get what you really want by relying on the many experts that are readily accessible.

"Prairie Trail offers very unique architectural

elements and as a homeowner, it’s nice

to know what’s next to you is going to meet the

Prairie Trail standards.”

In Prairie Trail’s residential neighborhoods, four traditional styles

will be represented. All styles — European Romantic, Arts & Crafts,

Colonial Revival, and Victorian — represent Iowa’s heritage and echo

many of the design elements from the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Based on the English tradition of summer cottages, this style became popular in the United States in the late 19th century. Deep eaves, robust porch elements and shaped rafter tails are signature elements of this style. Windows tend to be wide in proportion and combined to take advantage of the light in living areas. An asymmetric composition and massing is part of this vocabulary.

arts & crafts

This style has roots in the country’s interpretation of English and European cottages around the first quarter of the 20th century. There are many brick and stone examples with half-timbered accents. Houses are generally simple, elegant forms with asymmetric compositions and have a variety of casement or double-hung windows.

These houses have roots in the Colonial and Classical traditions of the region. Later Colonial Revival houses derived their forms from more expressive Classical motifs featuring Ionic and Doric order columns and entablatures on the porches, deep eaves and cornices, and a variety of house massing types as well as window and door elements.

Victorian houses came into vogue in the latter half of the 19th century and signified a change in the way homes were designed and built. Industrialization and balloon framing techniques made more complex forms and more elaborate details. The Prairie Trail Victorian house will feature the simple but elegant Carpenter Gothic and Italianate variations of this style found throughout the region.

european romantic

colonial revival

victorian

what’s your style?

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precedence at prairie trailPrecedence at Prairie Trail was the first residential area available for purchase, and new homes are constructed daily. Positioned in the heart of Prairie Trail, this neighborhood is ideal for residents looking for an easy commute or walk to work. Its position just east of Cascade Falls and Prairie Trail Elementary is also appealing to families. Lots and homes in Precedence at Prairie Trail are sold by a variety of individual realtors and builders. To learn more, you can also contact Ashley Johnson at 515.965.5249.


precedence west at prairie trailheritage at prairie trail

Precedence West at Prairie Trail. Precedence West at Prairie Trail became available in Fall 2012 and is ready for all builders. Distance does not need to be an issue in Prairie Trail: The Precedence West plat sits just north of Cascade Falls and Prairie Trail Elementary, making these homes perfect for families

looking for everything right outside their front door. Watch the kids walk to school, and walk with them to the park as well! Precedence West makes quite the family option.

If you would like more information on Precedence West, contact Ashley Johnson at 515.965.5249.

Heritage at Prairie Trail. Located in the northeast corner of Prairie Trail and directly adjacent to Ankeny High School and Southview Middle School, these lots are attractive for families looking to carry on the Hawk tradition. Being bordered by SW Magazine Road and SW Cherry Street gives Heritage homes convenient accessibility to other Prairie Trail amenities.

Caliber Homes of Iowa is a featured builder for this plat. Caliber Homes of Iowa is a dynamic homebuilder in the Des Moines metro area. Owners Nick Jensen and Eric Grubb offer 14 years of building experience in making clients, dreams reality.

To learn more about Heritage at Prairie Trail, contact Century 21 realtor Danielle Manus at 515.208.4220 or [email protected].

heritage at prairie trail


For more than 30 years, award-winning Brezina Homes has brought quality construction and style to their homes. Their stellar workmanship includes use of energy-efficient products, high-quality subcontractors and materials, and green building techniques.

They focus on a small number of homes each year, allowing them to oversee the construction daily with hands-on involvement and to pay close attention to the details, making sure the clients get the quality-finished product that they deserve.

Caliber Homes of Iowa is a dynamic homebuilder in the Des Moines metro area offering a variety of speculative homes in different locations as well as custom home building services. Owners Nick Jensen and Eric Grubb offer 14 years of building experience in making clients’ dreams reality.

These land development experts are both active Real Estate Brokers and feel keeping their eyes on available and upcoming lots sets them apart from other builders in the area. Whether choosing to purchase an existing spec or building your dream home, you can have peace of mind with Caliber Homes of Iowa.

brezina homes, inc.

caliber homes

BrezinaHomes.com 515.963.8851

CaliberHomesOfIowa.com 515.208.4220

“Let Us Show You How We Do It” has been this custom homebuilder’s theme. Steve Dallenbach and John Larson combine their design and construction talents to provide each customer with the plan and budget they seek to complete their home-building experience.

The beautiful home to the left is at 1607 SW Precedence Drive and is available for purchase and can be seen by appointment. The home displays their passion for innovative interior layouts, exterior street appeal and, most importantly, green construction and energy efficiency.

Together, Scott and Stephanie Denton have based their construction business on small-town Iowa values – integrity, hard work and a sense of humor. This husband-and-wife team bring a unique “His and Hers” aspect of building by personally working with you to offer both a male and female perspective.

With Denton Homes’ diverse design expertise, they can incorporate your personality through the style and architectural features of your home.

DallenbachLarson.com 515.249.0440

DentonHomesIowa.com 515.987.6024

dallenbach & larson

denton homes

Build with Behr Construction and you’ll get top quality. Whether it’s new custom homes, woodworking and trim, cabinetry or remodeling, Behr prides itself on its reputation of hard work, honesty and integrity. And as a family owned business, Mark Behr and team understand the importance of doing a job right the first time.

The experts at Behr want to work with you during each step of the home-building process, from harvesting your ideas to finding the best plan, from selecting materials to building with integrity. Any size, shape or design is welcome, so dream about what Behr can build!

behr construction

BehrTheBuilder.com 515.202.0633

Emerald Homes of Iowa, Inc. is a local, custom homebuilder with a focus on High Performance Housing. This means, we won’t just make your home more energy and water efficient, we’ll make it a quality home that you are proud to live in.

Our building and design professionals will help you create a home that fits your lifestyle and needs. We use state-of-the-art CAD software that will let you virtually walk through a 3D model of your home before it’s built. Build the house of tomorrow by starting the conversation today.

EmeraldHomesofIowa.com 515.202.9700

emerald homes of iowa

46 | prairie trail. imagine the possibilities. prairietrailankeny.com 515.964.9444 Fall 2012 | 47

Quality and good value for your investment are hallmarks of homes built by Mapes Construction. Owner Kenny Loder takes pride in the design aspects of building, and to ensure no two plans are identical, the projects start with his own ideas before they get final touches from an architect.

Mapes Construction is proud of consistently delivering intelligent designs, quality craftsmanship and personal attention to every project and every client.

MapesConstruction.com 515.964.3005

mapes construction

K&K Homes’ mission is to provide the quality homes and individual attention that customers deserve. Owners Kevin Yoakum and Kelvin Langmaid have matched up their combined 20-plus years of construction experience and their skills in design, woodwork and even real estate management to create a custom home-building business that strives to make the building process fun and joyful.

Call K&K Homes and you will speak directly to Kevin or Kelvin, something these Home Builders Association members feel is important to the home-building experience. Contact them for, as K&K says, “a new level of quality.”

KandKHomesInc.com 515.967.1096

k&k builders

MJ builds a home that can fit a first-time buyer from the low 200's to a custom home with all the attention to detail that you deserve. Brothers-in-law, Jason Loutsch and Matt Meredith, burst with pride over Ankeny, their hometown, and strive to do their part in making Ankeny a place you too are proud to call home.

MJPropertiesAnkeny.com 515.262.5578

mj properties


Tyler Homes is owned and operated by James Harmeyer. Jim strives to improve his building knowledge and creative ideas and feels every project is a team effort. He is the first to give credit to his employees, suppliers, and sub-contractors for a job well done.

Tyler Homes has found a niche in custom building not only luxury homes in the Des Moines market, but in creating value and uniqueness at all price points. Jim loves the challenge of creating a unique yet warm environment for every family he builds for.

The Building Company's focus is learning how your family lives and constructing your home around your life. We learn your ideas and dreams and ensure they come to life exactly how you wish. We work with you to discover which areas in your home you use every day and work with you to eliminate un-used space and redundancies. We call this right-sized living.

Our goal is to craft beautiful homes with all the amenities you deserve while minimizing your environmental impact. In partnership with Eco-Logic Homes, we have the proud distinction of building Prairie Trail's first self-sustaining home.

TylerHomesIowa.com 515.957.9017

Joel Clutts 515.360.1848

tyler homes

the building company

By building custom homes that fit our customers’ needs, Orton Homes has become the leading “choose your lot” custom homebuilder in Iowa. Over the past 16 years, we have raised the bar on what homeowners can expect from their custom homebuilder.

Our home-building process takes you step by step through selecting and customizing your house plan, determining your new home’s cost, financing, site selection, pre-construction and every other detail right up to moving into your new custom home. Orton builds confidence.

orton homes

Rob Orton 515.864.6816


prairie trailmaster plan1. Cascade Falls Aquatic Center

2. Precedence West Residential

3. Prairie Trail Elementary

4. Dean Park

5. Plaza Shoppes at Prairie Trail

6. Mercy Clinic

7. Precedence Park

8. Generation Next Child Care

9. Prairie Trail Visitor Center

10. Vintage Business Park

11. Chautauqua Park

12. Future site of Hy-Vee

13. Promenade Park

14. Iowa Health Physicians & Clinics

15. State Street Plaza

16. 1250 & 1200 SW State Street

17. Jethro's BBQ Lakehouse

18. Vintage Hills at Prairie Trail

19. The District

20. Prairie Pointe Student Housing

21. Iowa Soybean Association

22. FFA Enrichment Center

23. Southview Middle School

24. Heritage Residential

25. Ankeny High School

26. Ankeny Police Station

27. Heritage Commercial

Prairie Trail 2012

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