Iowa’s Longest-Standing Real Estate Leader
Hubbell Realty Company has been making bold moves in real estate for over 170 years, and we’re still changing the game. Just like our founder F.M. Hubbell, our vision isn’t just about building properties—it’s about building communities that last. It’s the same pioneering spirit that has guided Hubbell Realty Company as we’ve grown from a bold idea into a trusted name in development, construction, and property management.
Building on a Legacy Since 1856
1855
F.M. Hubbell arrives in Fort Des Moines, Iowa.
1856
A 16-year-old F.M. Hubbell records his first 640-acre real estate transaction in Woodbury County, Iowa.
1866
Hubbell partners in establishing Des Moines’ first streetcar company.
1867
Hubbell establishes Equitable Life Insurance Company, Iowa’s first and one of America’s leading financial services companies.
1871
Hubbell organizes Des Moines Water Company, siting a need for water quality improvements.
1881
Hubbell, among others, incorporates the Des Moines Union Railway Company.
1900
Hubbell constructs and opens Hubbell Avenue in Des Moines ($95,000 in 1900; $3.6 million value today).
1913
The Hubbell Building was built and opened.
1919
The City of Des Moines buys Waterworks for $3.45 million.
1924
Hubbell establishes Equitable Life Insurance Company, Iowa’s first and one of America’s leading financial services companies.
1930
F.M. Hubbell dies at the age of 91, leaving behind his legacy.
1972
The first Riverpoint Business Park building is opened at 401 SW 8th St.
1983
Jim Hubbell III is named President of Hubbell Realty Company.
1985
Kaleidoscope at The Hub opens.
1986
The Hub Tower opens.
1993
Hubbell begins its first residential land development project in Ankeny.
1996
Hubbell & CBRE form a partnership, CBRE | Hubbell Commercial
1998
Hubbell Homes is established in Central Iowa.
2002
Hubbell opens a new headquarters in West Des Moines at 6900 Westown Parkway.
2004
Rick Tollakson named President & CEO; Jim Hubbell III becomes Chairman of the Board.
2005
Hubbell establishes the first of six Conservation Communities.
2005
Hubbell purchases Woodland Hills Golf Course, one of central Iowa’s oldest golf courses that first opened in 1928.
2006
Hubbell turns the Hubbell Building into 72 rental apartments, its first downtown housing development.
2006
Hubbell completes its first ABC Extreme Makeover: Home Edition for an Iowa family in just 93 hours, spurring a philanthropic tradition.
2007
Hubbell acquires developments and 1,800 apartments in Des Moines and Sioux Falls and establishes Hubbell Apartment Living (now Indigo Living).
2007
Hubbell establishes an HOA management division, known today as HRC Association Management.
2008
Hubbell Construction Services was established.
2009
Hubbell completes its second Hubbell Extreme Build: “9 Homes in 9 Days for 9 Families” alongside Anawim Housing in Des Moines.
2013
Hubbell completes the third Hubbell Extreme Build: “Cabins for Campers” at Easterseals Iowa Camp Sunnyside.
2016
Hubbell joins the Skilled Trade Alliance & Academy as a founding member of the program aimed at young professional interest in skilled trades.
2017
Hubbell completes its fourth Hubbell Extreme Build: “Keeping More Families Close” alongside Ronald McDonald House of Central Iowa, a 17,000 square foot house for children battling cancer, or utilizing NICU/PICU.
2018
Hubbell donates its first $1 million gift to ICON Water Trails, a transformational regional project to activate, recreate and enhance Iowa’s waterways.
2019
Omaha-based The Home Company, The Land Company and Premier Land Title Company is acquired, joining Hubbell.
2019
Construction begins on the 75-acre Gray’s Station master planned neighborhood in downtown Des Moines.
2021
Hubbell Homes is awarded the National Housing Quality Award®, sponsored by Pro Builder magazine. It is the first Iowa-based homebuilder to receive this award.
2021
Hubbell Apartment Living rebrands to Indigo Living, enhancing focus on third party multifamily management practices in Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota.
2021
Hubbell completes its fifth Hubbell Extreme Build: “Care for Kids” at Easterseals Iowa Camp Sunnyside, doubling childcare capacity for those with and without disabilities.
2022
Origin Homes, a rural custom homebuilder, and Embarq Signature Homes, a high-end Central Iowa custom builder, are established.
2024
Hubbell completes its sixth Hubbell Extreme Build: “Homes of Hope” at On With Life for Iowans rehabilitating from brain and neurological injuries
2025
ICON Water Trails unveils Hubbell Trailhead, a major catalyst and access point in ICON’s ongoing water trail system.
2026
Kyle Gamble named President & CEO of Hubbell Realty Company; Rick Tollakson named Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Build Your Future With Hubbell
Join a company where people come first and community-building becomes more than a mission. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to make a meaningful change, Hubbell offers paths for growth, purpose, and impact. Explore current opportunities.