The double house at 727–729 19th Street is a rare and significant example of Free Classic Victorian Queen Anne architecture within the Sherman Hill Historic District – Des Moines’ oldest residential suburb and a neighborhood listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Unlike many single-family Victorian homes in Sherman Hill, this structure was designed as a duplex, representing upper-middle-class urban living and offering insight into the evolution of housing density and design during the late 19th century.

Prior to the project, the home stood as a deteriorating yet highly visible artifact of the neighborhood’s past. Its largely unaltered front façade served as a “window to the past,” reinforcing the historic integrity of the streetscape. After restoration, the property not only regains its architectural prominence but also reinforces Sherman Hill’s identity as a living historic neighborhood – demonstrating that preservation can sustain both cultural heritage and modern residential use.

Key impacts include: Preservation of cultural heritage, 2. Neighborhood revitalization, 3. Housing contribution, 4. Educational value, 5. Model for preservation

Photo Credits: Paul Gates Photography, Inc.