The property had been owned by Wesley Development Services LLC. The transaction was recorded Aug. 13.

An eight-story, 40-unit condominium project is planned for a portion of the nearly 3-acre tract. Part of the church, constructed in 1931, will be demolished, including a tower made of limestone.

Harry Bookey and Pamela Bass-Bookey, owners of BH Equities real estate investment firm, are the project’s developers. They plan to convert a portion of the church 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.

Work on the project had originally been slated to begin earlier this year. However, the outbreak of the novel coronavirus prompted some condo buyers to terminate their purchase agreements, according to information provided to the Des Moines City Council. In addition, the cost of materials increased, pushing project costs to $39.8 million from $37.4 million.

In July, the council approved a revision to the development agreement with 3750 Grand LLC. Financial assistance in the form of project-generated tax-increment financing was increased to $6.8 million from the previous $4.8 million. The agreement has also been extended to 14 years from 10 years.

Nineteen of the 40 condos have been sold, according to a spokesperson for BH Equities. A groundbreaking is planned for this month with demolition and construction beginning soon after.

Construction is expected to take about 18 months.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Details released for proposed Grand Avenue condo project
Design of proposed condo project on Grand Avenue approved
Incentives increased for Grand Avenue condo project


A Commercial Real Estate Weekly feature in which the status of projects underway in the Greater Des Moines area are updated. Want to include an update about your project or suggest a project to include? Email: kathybolten@bpcdm.com.