Valo is a mixed-use development located adjacent to the Drake University campus in Des Moines, IA. This five-story, 110,000 sq ft mixed-use building east of Drake University will be Phase 1 of a project that will eventually conclude with the development of the southern half of the block along University Avenue (Phase 2). The building will include 116 residential units and ~11,200 sq ft of commercial space on the ground floor along Carpenter Avenue, which will include micro-retail units that will support entrepreneurial activity in the area. The dwelling units will be available in five different sizes: studio, studio plus, one-bedroom, one-bedroom plus, and 2-bedrooms.
This project was conceptualized through a collaborative effort with Drake University and the City of Des Moines. Merge entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement with Drake University in 2021. An Urban Renewal Development Agreement was entered into between the City of Des Moines and Merge, LLC in March 2022. The land and buildings were purchased from Drake University in May 2022. The buildings were razed in Summer 2023 in preparation for the construction.
Expertly placed near Cedar Fall’s thriving downtown district, Arabella invites you to live, work, and play in a luxurious setting. Imagine a home where everything you desired was close at hand, from craft brewpubs and local dining to retail shops and a vibrant nightlife. A home at the center of the Cedar Falls downtown district, overlooking the Cedar River, with exceptional access to Highway 218 and Highway 58, everything just minutes away. That place is Arabella.
Art Bloc Project is a 72-unit mixed residential and commercial development located in the up-and-coming Arts District in Waterloo, Iowa. The site is located on the riverfront overlooking an amphitheater, providing amazing views of the river and surrounding Arts District. The 85-foot building will adds to the skyline and visual interest of downtown Waterloo, becoming a visible landmark for the district.
Grand Crossing Development, located in Waterloo, Iowa, is a mixed-use multi-phase development. The project is an enormous development encompassing multiple buildings. The Phase I building is a 68 unit apartment building located at the corner of Jefferson Street and Westfield Avenue outfitted with heated underground parking, bar/lounge area, and workout facility. Phase II is a mixed-use property with high-end apartments above, while the main floor is home to businesses like Jimmy John’s and Sidecar Coffee.
In May of 2021, the Green Bay City Council unanimously approved a development agreement with Merge to develop apartments and retail space along the Fox River in Downtown Green Bay. The future construction represents the first private investment in the Shipyard District.
Two buildings will be constructed as part of the private investment, strategically placed so each unit has river views. Common space between the buildings will be designed for gathering and connection to the riverfront trails with views overlooking the future City Park at the Shipyard. That City Park is expected to include floating docks, a kayak launch, outdoor recreation amenities and a plaza including a container park.
Approximately 4,000 square feet of retail space will also be available for lease at the Merge property. Architectural design is underway and with an anticipated ground-breaking in 2022.
The Stacks is a 6-story mixed-use building comprised of 180 residential units in the vibrant Port of Dubuque. The building will feature an urban courtyard, a residential fitness center, and both river & city views. The project incorporates CLT (cross-laminated timber) as a building material.
The brick facade and dark metal panels bring the historical elements of Dubuque’s built environment into a modern form. The development team took visions and guidance from the Port of Dubuque Master Plan (2002). The project capitalizes on community foresight and district investment strategy, driving greater utilization of the Port and downtown’s collective assets through residential density.
Urbane1220 is a 5-story mixed-use building on an under-utilized site on Sioux City's historic 4th Street. The project is the recipient of Iowa Economic Development Association's Disaster Relief Tax Credits for Workforce Housing, a program developed in response to devastating floods across Iowa in 2019. The site was purchased in 2020 from a private party and was developed pursuant to a development agreement with the City.
The project includes 56 residential units, approximately 3,000 square feet of commercial space, and a small parking garage for tenants. The building location features access to major thoroughfares, convenient access to public transportation, and walkable proximity to a range of employment & entertainment destinations. Residents will enjoy in-unit laundry and efficient unit design. The unit mix is a range of studios, 1 bedroom, and 2 bedroom units. This project will provide unique and desirable housing options for current and future workforce, aiding in flood recovery and serving the community’s ongoing competitiveness in the market talent. A unique factor of the development is the efficient single-dweller (an apartment for one person) unit design, generating attainable housing for workforce within the urban core.
Urbane210 is a 5-story mixed-use building on an infill site at 210 E 2nd Street, Davenport, IA. The project is the recipient of Iowa Economic Development Association's Disaster Relief Tax Credits for Workforce Housing, a program developed in response to devistating floods across Iowa in 2019. The site was purchased in 2020 from the City of Davenport pursuant to a development agreement with the City.
The project is located in the heart of downtown and includes 56 residential units and roughly 6,600 SF of commercial space. The building location features urban, courtyard, and Mississippi River views for residents. The site has convenient access to public transportation and walkable proximity to education and employment destinations. Residents will enjoy in-unit laundry and courtyard green space. The unit mix is a range of studios, 1 bedroom, and 2 bedroom units. This project will provide unique and desirable housing options for current and future workforce, aiding in flood recovery and serving the community’s ongoing competitiveness in the market talent. A unique factor of the development is the efficient single-dweller (an apartment for one person) unit design, generating attainable housing for workforce within the urban core.
What do we know? What is given?
6th St. and Commercial St. Waterloo, Iowa
Open lot with access to the waterfront Proximity to the bike trail Proximity to the railroad Potential for future purchase the land north of our site 6th St. is a one way street at our site The site is sloping slightly up toward the waterfront.
There are many auto-related businesses east and south, while on the west side more banks, restaurants and shops.
What do we want to achieve + why?
Create a vibrant, active lifestyle community for young people. Revitalize the east end of the Downtown area. Open to the downtown and river side. Encourage walkability in the area.
How can we achieve the goals?
Engaging the pedestrians along Commercial St. with retail oriented programs. Bringing people together at the courtyard level on 2nd floor will open up to amazing views from the site and potential new amenities on the north side. Provide great living opportunity and trending toward a smaller scale unit through impeccable design.
