Des Moines Townhome Project Gains Preliminary Tax Support

The city approved incentives for 15 new family-sized units, aiming to expand local affordable housing near Hubbell Avenue.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Residential

Des Moines Townhome Project Gains Preliminary Tax Support

Live Poll

Should local governments offer tax incentives to developers to increase the supply of affordable housing?

The Des Moines City Council approved preliminary tax incentives for a new 15-unit townhome project on October 1, 2026. This urban renewal initiative aims to bolster the local supply of family-sized affordable housing near the 4500 block of Hubbell Avenue.

Why it matters

The city-backed incentives for the Baker Creek Townhomes project seek to address the shortage of multi-bedroom housing options for local families. By providing tax support, the development aims to make townhome living more feasible in the current residential market.

The plan includes nine two-bedroom townhomes and six three-bedroom townhomes located in the 4500 block of Hubbell Avenue. These units represent a new residential addition near The Crest at Baker Creek.

The players

Hubbell Realty

A major regional developer known for residential projects and community property management.

Anawim Housing

A local organization dedicated to providing affordable housing and community development services.

Des Moines City Council

The legislative body responsible for urban renewal planning and local tax incentive policies.

The details

The project is a partnership between Hubbell Realty and Anawim Housing designed to expand the availability of affordable living spaces. Through an urban renewal framework, the city offers tax incentives to offset development costs and incentivize long-term affordability. The process will move forward once the council formally approves final development terms and the necessary plan amendment.

Timeline

  1. October 1, 2026: The city council approved the preliminary incentive terms.

The Home Front

The Baker Creek Townhomes project operates under the city's established urban renewal plan to facilitate new affordable construction. This initiative reflects a broader trend of utilizing tax incentives to bridge the gap in family-sized housing supply across the metro area.

Local families should monitor upcoming council agendas for updates on the final development terms and potential move-in timelines. Those interested in potential housing availability near Hubbell Avenue may want to keep the partnership between Hubbell Realty and Anawim Housing on their radar.

The takeaway

The city is actively incentivizing multi-bedroom housing to address local supply constraints. Homeowners and renters in the area should keep an eye on how these 15 new units influence property density and housing availability near Hubbell Avenue.

Further reading

For more information on local housing trends and upcoming residential projects, explore our Residential section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Axios.

Live Poll

Should local governments offer tax incentives to developers to increase the supply of affordable housing?