In Des Moines‘ historic East Village, the owners of both City Square Lofts and Staybridge Suites Hotel wanted a mixed-use residential building that could increase living options in this unique and popular neighborhood. Covering an entire city block, INVISION designed a housing and hotel development including 115 mixed efficiency apartment units as well as 137 extended-stay hotel rooms.
City Square is a full city block of housing, along with Staybridge Hotel, which wraps around a multi-deck parking structure with a scenic rooftop park. Residents and guests have access to the roof park and great views of the historic state capitol and East Village. The 125 apartments are a mix of types, from 400 square foot micro apartments to three-story walkups to townhome style units. Staybridge Hotel and Suites is a prototype hotel designed for this urban site. The extended-stay hotel features 111 rooms, conference and meeting rooms, a pool and fitness facilities. This design build project employs materials that reflect the transition from the limestone structures that line the Des Moines River to the red brick of the historic East Village.
To ensure the two programs would work together, the hotel was designed to complement the housing in both its layout and exterior design, while also meeting brand standards from the hotel chain. The finished product was able to significantly increase the density of people both living and working in this popular downtown neighborhood without compromising its character.
