Carpenter Building Renovation – Business Record
A New Chapter for the Carpenter Building: Foth and Other Businesses Thrive in Restored Landmark
Des Moines, IA – The Carpenter Building, a historic structure at 106 S.W. Seventh Street, is experiencing a vibrant resurgence as it welcomes a diverse array of businesses into its newly renovated Class A office spaces. Among the tenants making themselves at home is the civil engineering firm Foth, which has settled into its offices on the second and third floors.
Originally constructed in 1918,the 50,000-square-foot building was once a hub for a paper company and later used by EMC Insurance Cos. for document storage. In April 2022,clocktower Wolf LLC purchased the building for $3.25 million,with ownership later transferring to 106 7th St. LLC in January 2023.Under the management of firms like 106 7th St. LLC, the building has undergone a remarkable change, breathing new life into a piece of Des Moines history.
Tim Rypma, one of the managers of 106 7th St. LLC, emphasized the commitment to creating a premier office environment. The building now boasts modern amenities, including a fitness center with showers, a shared conference room for tenants, and even a game room, all spread across its four floors, each offering approximately 12,500 square feet of space.
Foth’s Des Moines team, led by Senior Client team leader Josh DeBower, began moving into their new space in late August and have quickly embraced their surroundings. “It’s wonderful,” DeBower shared.”It’s very bright and open, and the historic preservation is top notch.”
The move marks a important upgrade for foth, whose previous offices were located in a dated, 1980s-style building lacking natural light. The Carpenter Building’s design, which accentuates the original wood columns and exposed brick walls, provides a refreshing and inspiring workspace.
Beyond the aesthetic improvements, location played a crucial role in Foth’s decision to relocate. DeBower highlighted the importance of accessibility for his team. “We wanted to make sure all our members had access to walking to restaurants and other activities downtown,” he explained.The move has already had a positive impact, with several team members choosing to move downtown to be closer to the office and the city’s amenities.The convenience of parking for evening and weekend activities, such as the popular Downtown Farmers Market, was also a major draw. “That type of amenity during the weekend was a big sell,” DeBower added.
Foth joins a diverse group of tenants in the Carpenter building, including the Zenor Law Firm on the fourth floor, Rip Roar Events LLC and Capital View Dentistry on the first floor, and Rive Pilates and Allstate Insurance on the lower level. This mix of businesses contributes to a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere within the building.
The revitalization of the Carpenter Building is a testament to the power of preservation and adaptive reuse. By blending historic charm with modern amenities, the building offers a unique and desirable workspace for businesses looking to thrive in the heart of Des Moines. The Carpenter Building is not just a building; it’s a community, a symbol of revitalization, and a place where businesses like Foth are writing their own chapter in the city’s story.