Construction of the condominium project at 3750 Grand Ave. is nearing completion. All of the development’s 36 condo units have been sold. Photo by Duane Tinkey

Grand Avenue condo project nearing completion

WHAT: Eight-story condominium project plus the restoration of a portion of a former church
WHERE: 3750 Grand Ave., Des Moines
PROJECT COST: $39.8 million
DEVELOPER: 3750 Grand LLC, managed by Harry Bookey and Pamela Bass-Bookey
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Neumann Brothers Inc.
ARCHITECT: Hartman Trapp Architecture Studio

BACKGROUND AND UPDATE: Construction of an eight-story condominium along Grand Avenue is expected to be completed by midsummer with owners of units on the third and fourth floors taking possession in June, according to a spokesperson for the project.

All of the development’s 36 condo units have been presold.

The development is being built on property that previously had been home to First Church of Christ, Scientist. Harry Bookey and Pamela Bass-Bookey, owners of BH Equities real estate investment firm, bought the property in August 2020.

Part of the church, constructed in 1931, was demolished. The remaining portion is being converted into a large club room, cafe lounge for residents, fitness center and suites for overnight visitors. A swimming pool, sun deck and green area for dogs are also planned.

Construction of the condo project was originally planned to begin in early 2020. However, the pandemic prompted some condo buyers to back out of their purchase agreements, according to information provided to the Des Moines City Council in the summer of 2020. In addition, the cost of materials increased, pushing project costs to nearly $40 million from $37.4 million.

About 75% of the construction is completed, according to the BH Equities spokesperson.

Many of the original light fixtures from the church have been salvaged and restored and will be reused, according to the spokesperson. The church’s original spire was saved and will be installed as a sculpture in green space that fronts Grand Avenue.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Details released for proposed Grand Avenue condo project
Incentives increased for Grand Avenue condo project
Former church property sold for $1.95 million