Former Des Moines Sorority House Will Be Memory Care
A repurposed local sorority house will open as a memory care center in fall 2026 for 10 to 11 residents.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Alzheimer’s
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Developers Jessica Trivedi and her husband are converting the former Alpha Delta Pi house near Drake University into a specialized memory care facility. The project, which began renovations in late 2025, will begin accepting residency applications in fall 2026.
Why it matters
The development addresses a shortage of specialized dementia-focused care options in Des Moines, a challenge the developers faced personally while seeking support for a family member. By integrating experiential learning opportunities, the site also aims to bridge gaps between local clinical education and geriatric care needs.
The facility will support 10 to 11 residents with a dedicated caregiver-to-resident ratio of approximately 1:5. The building includes wheelchair accessibility and specialized safety infrastructure such as geotracking and integrated door and window alarms.
The players
Jessica Trivedi
She is a developer leading the transformation of a former residential property into a specialized healthcare facility.
Drake University
This local academic institution will partner with the new facility to provide internships for students in nursing, occupational therapy, and pharmacy.
The details
The conversion involves significant interior modifications, including replacing dark flooring and updating wall colors to better accommodate dementia-related visual changes. The facility will employ a professional nurse administrator and clinical director to oversee 24-hour care for the residents.
Timeline
The Alpha Delta Pi sorority house closed in spring 2024.
Developers purchased the property in June 2025.
Renovations of the building began in late 2025.
The facility will open residency applications in fall 2026.
Health Landscape
This project reflects a broader shift toward community-based, small-scale memory care environments that prioritize personalized resident interaction over large institutional settings. It follows the pattern set by the Alzheimer's Association's 2024 Dementia Care Workforce projections, which emphasizes the need for localized geriatric care infrastructure.
Families in the Des Moines area will gain a new, small-scale option for dementia care that includes high-tech security features like geotracking. The facility will also provide students with hands-on training, potentially increasing the number of locally trained healthcare professionals available to the public.
The takeaway
Smaller, residential-style facilities can provide more personalized care environments for individuals with dementia by focusing on visual comfort and high staff ratios. Families should prioritize centers that offer clear security protocols alongside opportunities for social and cognitive engagement.
What happens next
Residency applications for the memory care facility will open in fall 2026.
Further reading
Find more local resources on Alzheimer’s care and support options available in the region.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Times-Delphic.
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