Des Moines, Iowa, (October 28, 2025) Woda Cooper Companies, Inc. (Woda Cooper) hosted a Grand Opening and Ribbon-cutting ceremony today to celebrate the opening of Alley Landing, 2715 Douglas Avenue, Des Moines. Alley Landing is a new affordable housing community constructed on the site where the beloved Plaza Lanes bowling alley once stood.
The City of Des Moines provided strong support for Alley Landing to expand housing options for low- and moderate-income residents, including veterans. The City provided a HOME loan and an American Rescue Plan Act loan, and granted project-based vouchers for the eight Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) units through the Metropolitan Housing Authority.
Des Moines Mayor Connie Boesen gave remarks at today’s event about the importance of expanded affordable housing options in Des Moines.
Des Moines City Council Member Chris Coleman also spoke at the event. “Our community needs high quality and affordable housing and that is hard to do but Woda Cooper’s Alley Landing delivers both,” said Council Member Coleman who has been involved in reviewing plans and giving feedback since the conception of the project.
Alley Landing offers 40 affordable rental homes including one, two, and three-bedroom apartments. The apartments are targeted to residents at a mix of incomes up to 60% of the area median income (AMI). Rents range from $790 to $1,140 per month, depending on income limits and size of unit.
In addition to the affordable units, eight units have been set aside as PSH units with rental assistance for households experiencing homelessness. Veterans are prioritized for these units.
AMVETS Department of Iowa Post #2 and the local VA Community Resource & Referral Center have been involved during the planning of Alley Landing, providing information and advocacy related to housing for veterans. As part of the ribbon-cutting event, there was a dedication for a commemorative rock and flagpole dedicated to Command Sgt. Major Marilyn L. Gabbard, who died in Iraq in 2007 while serving in the Iowa Army National Guard.
Alley Landing is a four-story building with an elevator and controlled access. Apartments feature quality finishes, neutral paint colors, and energy efficient appliances, including dishwashers and in-unit washers and dryers. Units have energy efficient doors, windows, and HVAC systems.
Community amenities include a multipurpose room with kitchenette, a fenced dog-park, and a playground. There is an onsite management center for leasing and maintenance staff, along with an office for coordinating resident services.
Families Forward will provide onsite service coordination for the PSH units and direct supports in areas such as vocational training, budgeting and financial literacy, along with connections to services such as transportation and health care.
The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) allocated critical housing tax credits and provided a second HOME loan. “Through the leadership of Woda Cooper, the City of Des Moines, and their partners, Alley Landing stands as a model for how thoughtful investment and collaboration can expand access to quality rental homes for both families and individuals, strengthening our communities for years to come,” said IFA Director Debi Durham.
Bank of America is providing a construction loan and an equity investment in exchange for the tax credits.
Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust provided the first permanent mortgage. “As an Iowa community Bank, supporting the local developments of new affordable housing is critical in our mission as a lender. We are pleased to provide financial support to Woda Companies’ Alley Landing development in Des Moines, further supporting our Iowa neighborhoods and communities,” said Michael J. Goerdt, Vice President, Specialty Finance Group, Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust.
Polk County Housing Trust Fund provided an additional loan. “Alley Landing brings quality housing and great amenities and community partnerships to the Euclid Avenue corridor—an area with strong job access, good transit, and key social services nearby. The collaboration between Woda Cooper and Families Forward to offer supportive housing services for 8 units advances our community’s efforts to reduce homelessness,” said Mark Thompson, director of housing development at the Polk County Housing Trust Fund.
“Alley Landing will provide new quality affordable homes for residents who have had difficulty finding affordable housing options including those who have struggled with homelessness.” said Woda Cooper’s Barry Accountius, Vice President – Development. “We appreciate the support from the City of Des Moines, the Iowa Finance Authority, Polk County Housing Trust and all the partners who are making Alley Landing possible.”
Architect was Hooker DeJong, Inc. with general contracting by Woda Construction, Inc. Woda Cooper’s management affiliate Woda Management & Real Estate is performing leasing and property management. For more information, call 515-675-3846.
