Last year, Chuck Haas combed the buildings, offices and lots along Grand and Ingersoll avenues between downtown and 63rd Street hoping to find an appropriate space in which to relocate his small property management business. He was looking for a first-class office space with state-of-the-art amenities, plenty of free parking and a homelike feel.

His search ended last September, when he purchased an aging, 70-year-old building at 1922 Ingersoll. One year and $400,000 in updates later, Haas is now looking for tenants with the same professional needs as he begins leasing the building’s 16 shared offices that cover 7,500 square feet. He plans to open the doors Nov. 1 and hopes to have the building completely occupied by next spring.

What once was a personal quest for an office has now become a business proposition for Haas, who wants to provide small businesses with a quality office environment and the opportunity to stay within the city limits.

“In the past, if you wanted this type of office, you had to go to West Des Moines or Johnston,” Haas said. “I felt Des Moines needed something like this.”

The building, whose name is the same as its address, offers upscale, affordable offices that range from single-to multi-person. Rent starts at $500 a month. Amenities include DSL high-speed Internet connections, an advanced phone system, free parking, soundproof walls, utilities, long-and short-term leases, and access to a large kitchen, a conference room and a copier station. In addition, the building will be staffed by a full-time receptionist and office manager.

“It’s an opportunity for small businesses to have a professional presence and availability of services that a shared office space provides,” Haas said.

Haas contracted with Fox Construction Services to start renovating the building in April. Outside, the modernized building features a new roof, a brick façade and an arch entryway that matches the original structure’s brick. When street construction in front of the building is completed later this month, Haas said he plans to improve the landscaping with newly planted trees and grass.

On the inside are freshly painted offices with high ceilings, new carpet, and new heating, cooling and lighting systems. A shared conference room, lobby and kitchen, complete with a microwave, refrigerator and dishwasher, contribute to the building’s homey atmosphere.

“It’s a pretty attractive way to have an office,” Haas said. “It’s a comfortable way to run a business. The home feel is important to me. We want people to be comfortable in their own office.”

In addition to the on-site amenities, Haas said the building’s location is another selling point. Because it’s on the western edge of downtown, he said, access to the airport, downtown and the freeway is easy.

Des Moines City Councilman Large Frank Cownie said in a written release that Haas’ development is a welcome addition to the neighborhood.

“I am glad to see this happening,” he said. “Quality is the essence of maintaining Ingersoll Avenue as one of the most vibrant retail, restaurant and commercial areas in all of Des Moines. 1922 Ingersoll is a perfect example of a quality addition to the area.”

After the furniture is delivered and landscaping begins in the next week or so, Haas said he will begin to aggressively market the offices to prospective tenants. So far, Haas and Triad AV Services are the only two tenants to sign a lease.

Haas said he hopes his debut venture into building development will spark other business owners to building along Ingersoll and Grand.

“There’s some incredible development potential around here,” he said. “I encourage people to look at how good a location it is and the quality of the street.”