Station 121
121 12th Street, Des Moines, IA
26 Units
$6.5 Million
Project Started: 2016
Project Completed: May 2018
Services Offered
- Development
- General Contracting
Unit Mix
Micro, 1-, & 2-Bed Apartments; 2-Story Layouts
Amenities
- 24-Hour Fitness Center
- Large Community Room
- Community Bar
- Package Concierge
Station 121 is a $6.5 million historic rehabilitation apartment community in downtown Des Moines, located along 12th and Mulberry in the Western Gateway neighborhood. Originally built in 1924 along Des Moines’ historic Auto Row, the 100-year-old building once housed Mack Truck International Corporation and later became known as the Lovejoy Building, home to businesses including the Walsmith Printing Company. Through a thoughtful renovation, Hubbell transformed the building into 26 unique apartment homes, including studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and two-story layouts.
Preserving History Through Reuse
Hubbell developed Station 121 as one of its most distinctive historic rehabilitation projects, preserving original character while creating modern downtown housing. The renovation maintained key architectural elements including original brick, showroom windows, hardwood floors, and exposed bridge trusses, allowing the building’s history to remain central to the resident experience. By bringing new life to a long-standing Western Gateway property near restaurants, coffee shops, retail, and entertainment, Station 121 demonstrated Hubbell’s ability to execute complex adaptive reuse projects that protect architectural heritage while supporting downtown housing growth.
