Two entrepreneurial couples believe their new business will be a boost to positive development in the Drake Neighborhood.

Mars Cafe, a coffeehouse that also serves beer and wine, will open March 1 at 2318 University Ave. Its owners are brothers Phil and Larry James Jr. and their wives, Nicole and Jennifer. The James brothers grew up in Beaverdale, and both moved back to Des Moines in recent years after living out of state. They saw improvements taking place around Drake University, with some new businesses and lofts, but they felt the area was still missing a good hangout.

“Part of a central core of a neighborhood is a great meeting place, and we wanted to create that place that the Drake community is lacking right now,” said Phil James. “We’ll have a comfortable atmosphere for people to gather any time of the day, whether they’re in the mood for coffee or a glass of wine.”

Mars, which is located in a ground-floor space of the new University Place Lofts, will feature “Fair trade” organic coffee and tea and international beers and wines. Several local chefs, including Walter Jahncke of the former Chat Noir Café, will prepare the desserts and pastries served there, and hormone-free milk will come from Picket Fence Creamery in Woodward. Mars also plans to support local musicians by having live music a few times each week.

Phil James, 28, who calls himself “a retired political hack,” brings managerial experience from coordinating political campaigns, and Larry James, an attorney, has marketing experience. Phil’s wife, Nicole, worked with a local coffeehouse for seven years and is a studio coordinator for the Des Moines Art Center. Larry’s wife, Jennifer, is a freelance writer and editor.

Larry and Jennifer live in the Drake Neighborhood and have remodeled a half-dozen older homes there. Larry is a past president of the local neighborhood association and a big supporter of revitalizing the area.

“If we really wanted to, we could find a location anywhere in town, but we really believe in the Drake Neighborhood and the potential here for it to be a vibrant destination spot and a place for people to live, work and play,” Phil James said. “You need core businesses like ours to help the neighborhood grow.”