William “Bill” Knapp, the founder of Knapp Properties who touched nearly every block of downtown Des Moines with his work on Capital Square, The Plaza, the Hotel Savery renovation, among others, has died.

Knapp died early Saturday morning. He was 99. 

In a news release, the company paid tribute to Knapp, describing him as a self-made entrepreneur, visionary developer, and extraordinary philanthropist who helped shape the future of Iowa.

Knapp started his life on a southern Iowa farm, later serving in the U.S. Navy  in World War II. After returning home, he built Iowa Realty into the state’s premier real estate company. Later, in 1992, he founded Knapp Properties where he led projects that changed the city’s skyline.

Knapp was also instrumental in numerous reinvestment projects in the Drake University neighborhood, and in establishing the early downtown skywalk system.

His leadership helped bring the Tournament Club of Iowa golf course to Polk City, the Napa Valley residential development in Waukee, the County Club Estates and West Lakes developments, as well as the Raccoon River area project in West Des Moines.

Chris Costa, Knapp Properties’ president and CEO, said Knapp had a laser focus and determination that led to whatever outcome he was pursuing.

“It didn’t matter if it was a real estate transaction or raising money for a charity or community project, he led with his own money and strong passion,” Costa said in emailed comments.

Costa said one of his favorite qualities in Knapp was “that he made decisions with his gut.”

“I’d see it all the time when he made land purchases that at the time didn’t seem to make sense but ultimately turned into great development projects,” Costa said. “He predicted the Great Recession, not because he read a bunch of charts about the economy or the stock market, he predicted it because there were real estate transactions at the time that didn’t make any economic sense to him, and he instructed our leadership team to keep all sales proceeds in cash investments because he wanted to be prepared for a potential downturn.  Bill had a gift, and we all benefited from watching him use that gift for business and community.”

In addition to his influence as a developer, Knapp was known for his generosity, contributing tens of millions of dollars to organizations throughout Iowa, the release said.

According to the release, Knapp believed that people have a responsibility to lift others.

His philanthropic legacy includes the Knapp Center at Drake University, the Iowa State Fairgrounds, the Iowa Veterans Cemetery, the Honor Flight for World War II veterans, support for emergency and trauma care at UnityPoint Health, and commitments to hunger relief through Meals from the Heartland. His contributions touched all sectors, from art and education, to health care and agriculture.

Knapp was awarded the Iowa Award, the state’s highest honor, as well as the Variety Humanitarian Award, the Distinguished Iowa Citizen Award, the Robert D. and Billie Ray Pillar of Character Award, and was inducted in the Iowa Business Hall of Fame.

In the release, Knapp Properties extended its condolences to Knapp’s wife, Susan, and other family members.

“We are grateful for Bill’s unparalleled leadership and the privilege of carrying forward the values he instilled in this organization,” the company said in the release. “Bill built Knapp Properties into an organization that will continue to operate well beyond his time with us and there will not be any changes to how we continue to serve our partners, customers, tenants, real estate assets, and land developments. An Iowa original, a community builder, a loyal friend, and a true servant leader, Bill Knapp’s impact will be felt for decades to come.”

The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at Iles Dunn’s Chapel. Funeral services are planned for 10 a.m. Thursday at Plymouth Church in Des Moines. Burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter.

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