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The Elmwood-The Oaks-The Birches

Coordinates: 41°35′05.3″N 93°38′55.2″W / 41.584806°N 93.648667°W / 41.584806; -93.648667
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The Elmwood-The Oaks-The Birches
The buildings being renovated in 2022
The Elmwood-The Oaks-The Birches is located in Iowa
The Elmwood-The Oaks-The Birches
The Elmwood-The Oaks-The Birches is located in the United States
The Elmwood-The Oaks-The Birches
Location2315 Grand Ave.
Des Moines, Iowa
Coordinates41°35′05.3″N 93°38′55.2″W / 41.584806°N 93.648667°W / 41.584806; -93.648667
Built1923
ArchitectVorse, Kraetsch & Kraetsch
NRHP reference No.100006155[1]
Added to NRHPFebruary 17, 2021

The Elmwood-The Oaks-The Birches, also known as the Grand Trees Apartments, are three historic buildings located in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. The local architectural firm of Vorse, Kraetsch & Kraetsch designed three-story brick structures that were built in 1923.[2] The buildings, which together contain 93 units, are connected by courtyards and stone archways. Above the main entrances are imprints of the trees' leaves - elm, oak, and birch - in the stonework. Parking lots for the apartments are located behind the buildings. A $16.9 million historic renovation was begun in 2021 and will include adding elevators, which the buildings did not have. The buildings were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2021.[1]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "National Register of Historic Places Program: Weekly List". National Park Service. February 19, 2021. Retrieved 2022-03-15.
  2. ^ Kim Norvell (January 20, 2021). "After nearly a century, Grand Avenue's distinctive 'trees' apartment complex to get $16.9 million renovation". The Des Moines Register. Des Moines. Retrieved 2022-03-15.